Repetitive Stress Injury

RSI or repetitive stress injury is a painful condition of any muscle, tendon or soft tissue. Main reason of this problem is quick repetitive use of a part of the body. This movement impedes normal blood flow to the tissue. Lack of oxygen to the muscle of that body part starts making it weak .

Usually it happens due to your occupation like typing, working on a computer or some musical instrument. Poor posture, wrong technique and overuse are the main reason of this problem. Researchers says that stress at work can add to this problem. Hence, people working under stress find an increased muscle tension. Main symptoms seen in people who are suffering from RSI are fatigue, weakness in hands or fore arms, loss of sensation, cold hands, lack of co-ordination  or you find your self massaging subconsciously all the time.

If you don’t take care of this problem and take steps to rectify it then it can disable you later on. Even day to day functioning becomes difficult, causing emotional problems also. Although you have already done substantial damage to yourself by the time you notice the symptoms but by taking some precautions you can help in healing it. Take as much rest as you can. Certain injuries can heal only with rest. If you have a sitting job, take a break every hour, get up and walk around. Do some stretching exercise. This will improve your blood circulation.

However, avoid stretching your hands on keyboard or put too much pressure on your pen or pencil while writing. You also need to improve your posture while writing. Regular exercise is a must. Best chance of recovery lies in strengthening the body tissues. Yoga helps a lot as it teaches both how to strengthen as well as relax the muscles.