Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a term used to describe pain or discomfort that develops in muscles, tendons, joints, or nerves after frequent or repetitive use. It can affect many parts of the body, but is common in the hands, wrists, forearms, and elbows.
At ONE HEALTH, our practitioners take a whole-body approach to care. We don’t just focus on the site of discomfort – we look at contributing factors such as posture, movement patterns, workplace setup, and lifestyle. This helps us create a tailored management plan aimed at addressing both your current symptoms and the factors that may be contributing to them.
Causes of RSI and wrist pain
The most common cause of RSI is repetitive movement or sustained postures that place stress on muscles, tendons, and joints.
Factors that may contribute include:
- Poor posture at work or home
- Long periods of computer, tablet, or phone use
- Repetitive manual tasks
- DIY, gardening, or home improvement projects
- Sports or activities with repeated wrist and arm movements
Not everyone who performs repetitive tasks develops RSI – individual biomechanics, strength, flexibility, and recovery time all play a role.
Symptoms that may be associated with RSI
- Pain – sharp, dull, throbbing, or aching
- Tightness or stiffness
- Tingling or “pins and needles”
- Numbness
- Weakness or reduced grip strength
Symptoms often start gradually and may only appear during the aggravating activity. Over time, they may occur more frequently or even at rest.
Types of RSI
Type 1 RSI
These are specific, diagnosable conditions such as:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon)
- Tenosynovitis (inflammation of a tendon sheath)
These may involve swelling, nerve compression, or other measurable changes.
Type 2 RSI
This is sometimes called “non-specific pain syndrome” and refers to RSI without clear structural or measurable changes, but with ongoing discomfort or functional limitation.
How RSI is assessed at ONE HEALTH
Our Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, and Remedial Massage Therapists use a combination of case history, physical examination, and functional movement testing to assess your symptoms and identify contributing factors.
If necessary, we may recommend further investigations through your GP, such as blood tests, imaging (X-ray/MRI), or nerve conduction studies, to rule out other conditions.
How we may be able to help
Depending on your presentation, your management plan may include:
- Gentle manual therapy to improve movement and reduce tension in the affected area
- Joint mobilisation or soft tissue techniques
- Use of therapeutic modalities such as interferential or ultrasound therapy (if appropriate)
- Guidance on activity modification to reduce strain
- Posture and ergonomic advice for home or work
- Prescribed exercises for stretching, mobility, and gradual strengthening
- Home care strategies such as heat/ice application
Our goal is to help you understand your condition, support your recovery, and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
If you are experiencing wrist pain or suspect RSI, book an appointment at ONE HEALTH today for a professional assessment and an individualised management plan.