RSI TREATMENT
(Repetitive Strain Injury)

The term RSI encompasses many different injuries with the common denominator being overuse. There is no specific treatment for RSI, due to the fact that RSI can be so many things. There are, however, a number of things that must be evaluated in order to tailor the treatment to fit each individual's needs. The following is a sequence of the evaluation that the typical RSI patient should receive:

1. Patient sees doctor and doctor does subjective and physical exam to determine that injury is overuse related.
2. Patient is then referred for therapy.

A thorough evaluation of the upper extremity is critical and should include the following:

• Soft tissue - Determination of soft tissue changes such as thickening due to scar tissue, swelling, and tendon and nerve integrity.
• Strength - Strength tests to determine if weakness is present in the fingers, and wrist.
• Flexibility - Forearm, hand and wrist evaluation to determine flexibility limitations.

A good assessment will include a look at the following issues that affect how you work:

• Work area arrangement - Evaluation of your work set up to determine problems in design or work technique that can further your injury, or prevent you from getting well.
• Time management/Lifestyle assessment - Determination of effective strategies to manage stress and muscle tension in the workplace and at home.

It is also necessary to look at the neck and spine. This assessment should include:

• Posture - Postural assessment to determine areas of the body that may be compromised due to poor posture
• Spinal range of motion - Assessment of neck range of motion to determine limitations in range that may be present.
• Joint mobility - A manual assessment of joint mobility to determine how the individual vertebral segments in the neck and thoracic spine move.
• Strength - Assessment of scapular muscles as well as a functional assessment of strength of the legs, arms and abdominal.
• Dural tension - Assessment of nerve tissue integrity and mobility as it courses out from the neck and down the arm.
• Soft tissue - Assessment of restrictions in movement.

Treatment will be based on the findings of the above evaluation. Treatment is very individual and this outline is general. It should give you an idea of what to expect if you need treatment.

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