Treatment for Repetitive Strain Injury

More than 50% of the Injuries at Work includes repetitive strain injuries. People who are competitive athletes, artists, electricians and assembly line workers are more prone to such injuries. These are caused when the muscles and the tendons become inflamed due to their over-use, usually affecting wrists, elbows, hands, shoulders and neck. There are various methods of treatment for repetitive strain injury. One of the simplest methods is to consume a painkiller or an anti-inflammatory pill available at any local drug store, but these will not cure the problem and will only allow the area to rest for a while. Another thing the person can do is to talk to the employer to alleviate the condition by assessing and implementing the required improvements in the workplace. A simple supporting bandage can also help the person by adding strength to the injured area, especially if it is the wrist or the arm.

Some physicians may also prescribe the method of physical therapy which helps in developing and maximising the body movements. At the same time, the person may also be needed to take some drugs for alleviating the symptoms. Another therapy that a doctor may suggest is the occupational therapy, which helps in developing and maintaining the skills that are required for carrying out the general activities needed to lead a comfortable life. Under this therapy, the personal requirements of the person are assessed and some steps that can be implemented into the daily schedule of work and home are recommended. Deep body massage has also reported to work miraculously for treating repetitive strain injuries, as it penetrates the soft tissues of the body like tendons and muscles, from where the pain comes. Another treatment for repetitive strain injury is the soft tissue therapy. This procedure decompresses the area around the injury, thus increasing the circulation and help in the healing process. Biofeedback can also be used for reducing muscle tension in shoulders and neck. There have been reports that some slow martial arts such as Tai Chi also have dramatic effects in improving the condition as they work on improving flexibility and strength with the help of specific movements.

As the final resort, the doctor may also recommend to have a surgery. But while going for this alternative, people should not forget that this procedure is not always successful and it is very costly too. If anybody is suffering from these injuries at work, it is a strong recommendation to talk with the employer or with the health director of the company regarding the problem and ask them to improve the working conditions first hand.