Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injury is an umbrella term used to describe a musculoskeletal condition resulting from performing a particular motion over and over; however, the actual task may not be to blame as much as the way in which it is performed as well as the physical condition of the affected area prior to injury.
Examples of repetitive strain injury are carpal tunnel syndrome, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, trigger finger and bursitis. The injury occurs due to the repeated rubbing of tissue as the motion is performed. This irritation can cause damage and inflammation to the tissue as well as nerve entrapment or impingement.
Symptoms of repetitive motion injury are numbness, weakness, tingling, pain, swelling and throbbing. The pain may be sharp and localized or it may be diffuse and affect an entire area such as the forearm. Grasping may become difficult or awkward. Fine motor skills in the fingers may be compromised.
Risk factors for a repetitive motion injury include the actual task (typing, styling hair, hammering), excessive time spent at the task (including failing to take breaks), poor ergonomics, cold temperatures while performing the task, vibration (i.e. jackhammer), poorly designed equipment and poor posture.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common repetitive strain injury due to our reliance on computers. Consider all the jobs today that require the use of a computer. The actual cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, however, is not so much the typing but the way in which the typist types.
Ergonomics as well as pre-conditioning plays a huge role in the prevention of repetitive motion injuries as well as recovery. Your work station should be designed so you can type comfortably with your forearms parallel to the floor, wrists not touching the desk or wrist “rest” (hands should be floating while typing) and mouse within a comfortable reach (you should not have to strain to reach the mouse).
The monitor should be straight ahead so you do not have to bend your neck to comfortably read the screen. Your chair should allow your feet to touch the floor with your thighs parallel to the floor while holding good posture.
The earlier a repetitive motion injury is detected and treated, the smaller the chances of developing a disability due to the repetitive motion injury. The first step in treating a repetitive motion injury is to cease the motion that is causing the injury and rest the affected area. This does not necessarily mean you can no longer type, but you do need to heed the advice above regarding ergonomics at your work station.
Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) along with AIS stretching, and Myofascial release are effective treatments for nerve entrapment and impingement associated with repetitive strain injury. These protocols focus on restoring health and function of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems as well as the anatomy, physiology and mechanics of the human body.
Static pressure is used to manipulate soft tissue and restore health to injured areas where nerve impingement and entrapment may be present. Inflammation is reduced and proper fluid flow is restored, aiding in the healing process and reducing further scar tissue build up.
At the heart of any repetitive strain injury, there is a process taking place that is the body’s normal response to any injury or degenerative condition. There are three phases to healing, during which time there are specific treatments necessary to promote faster more efficient healing to avoid chronic pain in the future.
The first phase is inflammation, which is the body’s way of attempting to protect an area that is injured. Inflammation, along with nerve entrapment can cause painful compression of the nerves and other components.
As well, proper fluid movement is hampered. This means that nourishing, healing fluids are restricted and toxic fluids from the injury remain in the tissue. Addressing this inflammation is crucial to the healing process. Passive motion should be used at this point to reduce the inflammation.
The second phase is the repair phase where your body attempts to replace the damaged tissue with new collagen. Nutritional supplements such as vitamin C are essential to this process.
The third phase is the remodeling phase in which the new collagen needs to be properly aligned. This new collagen is irregular and in order for it to function properly, it needs a little help being “modeled” with various techniques.
Repetitive strain injuries in Clearwater, FL are common, but the good news is that at Corrective Therapy Pain Relief Center, Frank Pugni is here to help! Frank’s unique approach to repetitive strain injuries in Clearwater, FL and surrounding areas is a revolutionary way of treating not only repetitive strain injures, but virtually any painful musculoskeletal problem throughout the body.
Pain relief is right around the corner with Frank’s perfect skill set that marries several disciplines and brings you the best of many specialties that are highly effective in restoring musculoskeletal health. Feel free to click around the site and learn about what Corrective Therapy Pain Relief Center can offer you! Be sure to play the patient testimonial movie to hear how Frank gave his patients a new lease on pain free lives!
