What is RSI?
RSI, Repetitive Strain Injury, is also known as an Overuse Injury.
The term is used to cover pain experienced because of repetitive movements, excess continuous load, and overuse. The pain may be experienced in the muscles, tendons or nerves.
It is most commonly experienced in the upper body including neck and shoulders, elbows, forearms, wrists and hands.
“Tennis Elbow” may be the most well-known example, although it is not specific to tennis!
RSI Symptoms
RSI usually starts with pain during the activity which relieves with rest.
The pain symptoms may be described as aching, tenderness, tightness, stiffness, throbbing, tingling, numbness, weakness, or cramping. Sometimes there can also be some swelling in the affected area.
The Impact of RSI
In the workplace, RSI can have negative impacts for both the person suffering and the employer.
If the symptoms are not recognised and addressed early, the condition may become chronic which can threaten an employee’s future through compromised vocational capacity, job security and overall wellbeing.
Unmanaged RSI affects the employer, with loss of productivity and work quality and the extra costs of compensation claims.
Like Benjamin Franklin said:
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”*
*1 ounce = ~26 grams, 1 pound = ~454 grams
Who is at risk?
Work environments which involve forceful exertion, awkward postures, repetitive movements, colder temperatures, exposure to vibration and minimal opportunities for rest all increased the risk of employees developing RSI symptoms.
In addition to the physical environment and requirements, studies have shown increased rates of RSI experienced in workers who are stressed, burnout or exhausted and less engaged with work.
What to do about it
There are a few factors that can be altered to decrease the risk of RSI. We can modify the environment as well as the body!
The Environment
The environment should be set up ergonomically and individually to minimise strain to an employee.
This would include things such as bench or desk height, supportive footwear or anti-fatigue mats and a comfortable environment.
Employees should be trained and confident in safe manual handling, which involves the use of aid equipment and shared lifting techniques not just “knowing how to lift properly.”
When a required movement is heavy, repetitive or exposing the body to high levels of vibration, task rotation protocols should be applied. This gives the straining part of the body a break and use different muscles.
And of course, with the increased risk in stressed and burnout employee, the environment should be supportive in combating these measures, focusing on supporting the wellbeing of the employee.
The body
It is in both the employer and the employee’s interest for the employee to be healthy, strong, fit and flexible.
This allows ease of proper manual handling, as well a higher tolerance of muscles to take load during lifting, repetitive movements, and awkward postures.
Sometimes awkward postures are unavoidable, but the employee should be educated in when and how to take postural breaks.
Depending on the role, it may also be beneficial for the employee to warm up their body appropriately. A physically demanding job is not unlike sport, and we (should) always warm-up before training or a game. This prepares the body, ensuring smoother mobility and using the right muscles.
RSI can occur in any job, even sedentary roles if poor posture is prevalent.
Check out our previous articles for more tips:
- Biara Webster, Accredited Exercise Physiologist
