RSI

RSI Complaints and Chiropractic: An Effective Approach

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), also known as CANS (Complaints of Arm, Neck, and Shoulder), is a collective term for complaints caused by repetitive strain on muscles, tendons and joints. RSI is common in people who work in the same position for long periods of time and make many of the same repetitive movements, such as office workers, hairdressers, dentists or people who spend a lot of time behind a computer.

Chiropractic offers an effective and natural approach to addressing the root causes of RSI, relieving pain and promoting recovery without relying on medications or invasive procedures.

What is RSI?

RSI complaints are caused by repetitive movements and prolonged static postures, often combined with insufficient recovery. This causes the development of:

• Muscle fatigue: Overuse causes muscles to cramp and become less effective.
• Tendon damage: Repetitive stress causes inflammation and microtrauma in the tendons.
• Joint dysfunction: Abnormal loading leads to blockages and reduced range of motion in joints.
• Nerve Irritation: Disrupted biomechanics can put pressure on nerves, causing pain, tingling, and numbness.

Symptoms of RSI

RSI develops gradually and can lead to:

• Pain or stiffness in the neck, shoulders, arms or wrists.
• Tingling, numbness or a burning sensation.
• Decreased strength and range of motion.
• Complaints that worsen with repetitive movements or prolonged postures.

If these complaints are left untreated, RSI can become chronic and lead to permanent damage.

How RSI Leads to Chronic Damage

If RSI complaints are not treated in time, degenerative changes can occur in the muscles, tendons, joints and surrounding tissues. Research shows that:

• Reduced Movement: Prolonged muscle tension and joint blockages reduce normal blood flow, slowing healing and worsening damage to tendons and joints.
• Uneven Loads: Incorrect use of muscles and joints means that the load is not distributed properly, which accelerates wear and tear.
• Chronic Inflammation: Long-term irritation can lead to tendonitis (tendinopathy) and irritation of nerves, such as in carpal tunnel syndrome.

How Chiropractic Can Help

Chiropractic offers a safe and effective approach to treating RSI by restoring normal biomechanics of the spine, shoulders and arms.

1. Correcting Joint Blockage
   Joint dysfunctions, often in the neck, upper back or shoulders, are addressed with targeted chiropractic adjustments. This restores normal movement and reduces pressure on muscles and nerves.
2. Reducing Muscle Tension
   Removing blockages in joints relieves muscle tension and can improve blood flow. This helps muscles and tendons to recover better.
3. Optimize Nerve Function
   RSI complaints can often be accompanied by nerve irritation. Chiropractic focuses on reducing pressure on nerves, which can relieve pain, tingling and numbness.
4. eImproving Posture and Movement
   Poor posture often plays a major role in RSI. Chiropractic care not only helps to alleviate the symptoms, but also to correct postural problems and inefficient movement patterns, preventing future symptoms.
5. Additional Preventive Care
   In addition to treatment, the chiropractor offers advice on ergonomics, exercises and stretches to increase resilience and prevent recurrence of complaints.

Scientific Substantiation

• Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care: Research published in The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics shows that chiropractic manipulations are effective in reducing muscle and joint pain associated with repetitive strain injuries.
• Reduced Muscle Tension: Studies show that chiropractic adjustments reduce muscle tension by removing joint blockages and nerve irritation.
• Preventative Benefits: Scientific evidence supports that improved posture and biomechanical function, such as that achieved through chiropractic care, reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries and degenerative changes.

Why Choose Chiropractic?

Unlike medications, which focus only on suppressing symptoms, and surgery, which is often reserved for severe cases, chiropractic addresses the root cause of RSI. It is a noninvasive, natural approach that improves your body’s overall biomechanics, aids recovery, and prevents future issues.

Do you suffer from RSI complaints? Contact us and discover how chiropractic can help you move pain-free and improve your performance.