What is RSI?

In short RSI stands for Repetitive Strain Injury or Repetitive Stress Injury; it refers to conditions more accurately known as occupational overuse syndromes, cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) , postural dysfunction and other broad terms that refer to a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) originating from a combination of repetitive motions, poor posture and muscle overloading.

RSI is prevalent in modern times mostly due to the advent of computers and an ever increasing sedentary lifestyle. Many statistics worldwide point to RSI as the leading cause for workers injury/time off work.

For further RSI reading I found Wikipedia provides an accurate overview of repetitive strain injuries, with some very good links at the end. Wikipedia RSI Page

Some other excellent sites worth exploring:

RSI Warrior

I'm reading a great RSI book at the moment (late Jan 2006) called: It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: RSI Theory and Therapy for Computer Professionals by Suparna Damany & Jack Bellis. I highly recommend this book to RSI sufferers and people wanting to know about RSI. It's very comprehensive, well-researched and features individual RSI stories from patients. Great work Suparna and Jack!

I have not investigated many other RSI books so I can’t refer many but is widely acknowledged that Deborah Quilter’s The Repetitive Strain Injury Recovery Book is another good place to start.

The internet is useful tool to get stories and advice from fellow sufferers and the medical community at large, but remember if you are experiencing any pain the first step is always to see your LOCAL HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL and take it from there. Don’t speculate or make comparisons with your symptoms and other symptoms listed on websites.

Broadening your knowledge about overuse injuries if of benefit, but my advice is not to get too obsessed with getting into detail if you are suffering pain/discomfort. See your health professional first. Sometimes becoming equipped with knowledge whilst you are suffering from the anxiety of pain and future uncertainty will lead to ‘self-diagnoses’. Don’t do this! See your local doctor first. A good GP should refer you to the appropriate specialist and not advise on treating your injury.

Any course of action you undertake without professional advice is putting your health in jeopardy. Be sensible, see a professional.