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About RSIs | What is an RSI? | Conditions & Symptoms | Common Causes
Prevention | Treatment | Frequently Asked Questions 
What is an RSI?
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an umbrella term for a number of overuse injuries affecting the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and nerves) of the neck, upper and lower back, chest, shoulders, arms and hands. Typically arising as aches and pains, these injuries can progress to become crippling disorders that prevent sufferers from working or leading normal lives. RSIs most typically are the result of combining repetitive movement with physical stress. Repetitive strain injuries can be primarily muscular in nature or involve restrictions in the nerves and blood vessels. As tension accumulates in our muscle tissue from overuse or improper use of our bodies, our muscles must work harder to perform every movement small or large. As the muscles work harder more tension accumulates and lines of strain form through our bodies. The muscle tissue and connective tissue (fascia) becomes thick, tough, and dehydrated forming adhesions to adjoining muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels. These restrictions and adhesions compromise our range of motion and ease of movement. They may also appear as weak or easily fatigued body parts. Nerves and blood vessels become squeezed or impinged. This causes the tingling and numbness often associated with RSIs. The blood flow is diminished and the muscle cells do not receive proper nutrition and removal of waste products. The cells repair more slowly while we place an increasing demand on our muscles causing the cycle of RSIs to spiral downward. At some point in the downward spiral our bodies realize there is a serious and growing problem. Its response is to fire off pain signals through our nervous system. The pain is really a warning sign indicating our body's need for attention and assistance. These symptoms can become so severe that it is difficult to perform simple daily functions such as combing hair, writing, driving, grasping small objects, etc. Our quality of life is compromised and our world grows smaller. |