Newsletter - RSI Treatment, RSI Recovery & Prevention |
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Cause
RSI is an insidious ailment, there are no outward signs, yet the occassional or persistant pain can make our working life a misery. It is often caused by having an increased workload such as a timely project, putting us under the pump to get it finished on time. We work through the twinges of pain as they are only occasional at first and then become more persistant as the project keeps us working longer hours.
Symptons
Early symptoms often manifest as one or all of the following: shoulder ache, tightness in the forearms aches and pains in hands and fingers. To recover from Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) we need to take remedial action as soon as symptoms occur to ensure a speedy recovery. The longer we leave the symptoms the longer the recovery time.
What do we do now?
Solutions vary from person to person, however first of all get your workstation checked out, is it set up ergonomically? Do not guess this as roughly ok, it's best to get a professional in asap. See the Office wise pdf document for image of ideal workstation set up.
Myotherapy - deep tissue massage has worked well for many RSI sufferers, helping to relieve tightness in forearms neck and shoulders. Taking a break from the computer at least every 50 minutes is essential during recovery even if its only to get a cup of tea, talk to a colleague etc.
Do you need to change any equipment? both the Evoluent Vertical Mouse and the 3m Joystick style mouse are excellent if you have right forearm tightness or wrist / hand sensitivity.
If you have index finger sensitivity from mouse clicking then the
3M mouse is preferred as mouse clicking is by the thumb.
Do regular short one or two minute exercises see the exercise pages
RSIGuard is a software which has the following features:
- Intelligent
break timing
- Animated
stretches during breaks (with Stretch Break Technology version)
- Reduced
mouse strain via automatic clicking
- Ergonomic
reminder message
- Easy
to use
These are basic tools & changes that need to be made and consulting your physician is also recommended.
There are support groups in many countries and cities and a search of the internet with rsi support group as the search term will often bring up good results, add the name of your city to find a support group locally.
Implement a plan of how you are going to overcome RSI, as it does not go away on its own.
Exercises for the Neck
Ergonomic Keyboards
RSIGuard Stretch Break Software
RSI
Prevention Books
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In the News
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A bad back? It's the new office plague
By Jim O'Rourke,
The Sun-Herald - Australia
A recent workplace ergonomic seminar was told that back problems in all industries cost NSW businesses $270 million annually and more than 96,000 weeks in lost time.
NSW Physiotherapy Association president Eva Schonstein told employers they were not doing enough to reduce back injuries.
Managers needed to act more quickly on employee complaints about poorly designed work spaces.....more
Making Johnny Sit Up Straight
By Katie Dean
Wired News - USA
Ergonomics experts have long bemoaned the lack of attention paid to proper computer workstations in schools.
But this month, one state has decided to address the issue. New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey recently signed a bill that establishes the Ergonomics in Education Study Commission...
The New Jersey commission, to be appointed by the governor in the coming months, will consist of teachers, school administrators, medical professionals and ergonomics researchers.
The group will have six months to study ergonomics in New Jersey schools. Specifically, they will look at design standards for classroom equipment and furniture, education programs for healthy computing behaviors and injuries associated with poorly-equipped computer work stations and overuse. The final report will provide recommendations to the governor and legislature about how to implement ergonomic design standards in state schools...
"If you don't have good habits to start with, chances are, by the time you get to the workforce, you're going to be primed for injury," said Alan Hedge, professor of design and environmental analysis at Cornell University who also runs the school's ergonomics website......more |
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