What is the treatment for RSI (repetitive strain injury)?

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See your doctor as soon as you feel that a problem may be due to RSI. It is thought that the earlier the problem is recognised and dealt with, the better the outcome. A doctor may advise various things which may include the following.

* If at all possible, stop or reduce the tasks or activities which seem to be causing the symptoms. This may be easier said than done if you job or livelihood depends on the task. If possible, discuss the problem with your employer. A change of task, or changes to your work environment, may be possible.
* Look into practical ways of adjusting your work setup so as to reduce strain (see "prevention" below for more details).[
* A course of anti-inflammatory painkillers.
* A referral to a physiotherapist who can give advice to help with posture, and how to strengthen or relax the muscles involved.
* Some people find treatments such as yoga, relaxation techniques, regular general exercise (such as swimming) to be useful in easing the symptoms. Some people find complementary therapists such as chiropractors and osteopaths helpful.
* An injection of steroid may be considered into an area which has definite inflammation, such as a tenosynovitis or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms often ease with the above measures. It is then wise to review your work or other activities to prevent further bouts of RSI. For example:

* If you work with a computer: is your seat, keyboard, mouse, etc, positioned in the correct way with the least strain likely on your hands and fingers?
* The RSI Awareness website (see below) has practical suggestions on how to reduce strain from repetitive tasks, for example how to set up your computer and workstation to reduce RSI.
* Do work with a good posture? Do you sit correctly if you have a desk job?
* If you do a repetitive task at work, do you get enough breaks?
* Is there anything your employer could do to improve your working environment?
* If you are under stress at work, is there anything you or your employer could do to improve this?

What is the outlook (prognosis)?

In many cases the symptoms ease and go if measures are taken to stop or reduce the repetitive task as soon as the symptoms start to develop. However, despite rest and treatment some people develop symptoms that persist long-term which can be debilitating.