Treating Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive strain injury is term used for a multitude of different conditions that are very similar, conditions that cross over each other. It is normal to have more than one of these conditions when you are found to have repetitive strain injury.

If your not sure what repetitive strain injury is then the definition is, an injury that is caused by repeating the same movement over and over, it also only affects the upper body, predominantly the back, shoulder, arms, wrists and hands.

There are many treatments that report to alleviate the symptoms of repetitive strain injury, some are simple measures you can take personally, some of these are basic medication, some of these are prescribed treatments and others are alternative medicines.

Below is a list of all the available treatments and how they work.

Treatments

Simple measures

One simple measure, which is more common sense than anything is painkillers and anti-inflammatory pills, these are available over the counter at any good pharmacy. When taking painkillers and anti inflammatory pills it is important that you rest the affected area, just because the pain is not there it doesn't mean the condition has instantly been resolved.

Another simple measure is speaking to your employer, you may find they have guidelines to work towards that may mean you can get some support in alleviating your condition. This means your work place may be assessed and improvements implemented.

You can get a simple support bandage from your local pharmacy to help add strength to the affected area, if it is your wrist or arm.

Speech recognition software is a great alternative for those who suffer due to computer work, speech recognition software works by the software writing what you say for you.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy, a physical therapists role is to develop and maximize the movement of the body, and this can also include the provision of aids to alleviate symptoms.

Occupational therapy is another prescribed therapy your doctor may request, it may sound like occupational therapy and physical therapy are very similar but there are differences.

Occupational therapy helps develop and maintain the skills needed to carry out all the general functions needed to live a comfortable life.

Occupational therapy includes assessing what a persons needs are and supporting them with offering recommendations on adapting to their living or working space and offering simple exercises to regain movement.

Alternative medicines

Deep body massages have been reported to work wonders for those suffering with repetitive strain injury as it works deep into the body's soft tissues like the muscles and tendons where the pain comes from.

Some people have reported that slow martial arts like Tai Chi can have a dramatic affect on their condition because they work on specific movements and improve strength and flexibility.

Treatments are ever evolving in the medical world, whether it is in medicine or alternative medicines the fast paced environment is offering new treatments all the time. If you suffer with the repetitive strain injury condition you can be safe in the knowledge that the medical community is working hard to alleviate the symptoms many people suffer with.