Rsi how can it be avoided

Your doctor will ask you questions about your work and other activities to try to identify any repetitive movements you do. Your doctor may also order magnetic resonance imaging MRI or ultrasound to assess tissue damage. An electromyography EMG may be ordered to check on nerve damage. For mild damage, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist. If the damage is severe, they may also refer you to a specialist or surgeon.

Your doctor and physical therapist can also suggest adjustments to your work station, such as readjusting your chair and desk if you work at a computer, or modifications to your movements and equipment to minimize muscle strain and stress. Learn more: Tendon damage surgery ». Your outlook with RSI depends on the severity of your symptoms and your general health. You may be able to use conservative measures to modify your work routine and minimize pain and damage.

Or, you may have to stop certain tasks at work for a while to rest the affected area. Good posture is the key to avoiding unnecessary stress on your muscles. This takes practice and mindfulness. There are also many exercises you can do to improve your posture. Taking frequent breaks from your desk throughout the day is as important as having an ergonomic workstation. If your work is not at a desk, the same principles apply.

It is also called upper limb disorder, cumulative trauma disorder or occupational overuse syndrome. Nip it in the bud by taking short, frequent breaks from repetitive tasks such as typing. Check the ergonomics of your work station and try not to slouch at your desk. Proper typing is key to preventing RSI. Try to get up from your desk every 30 minutes and move your neck and shoulders to release tension. A minute break every hour a stroll to the loo or to make a drink is advised.

One good tip is to time how long you can type before getting symptoms eg pins and needles or muscle ache and then set an alarm to stop typing 10 minutes before that time. Stretching can help to prevent and manage RSI.

When working with a laptop for sustained periods it's good practice to:. Employers have a legal responsibility to provide Reasonable Adjustments that help avoid RSI and other conditions, but many people aren't clear how what adjustments are required.

Read our F AQ on reasonable adjustments for more information. We also recommend that employees uses Clear Talents On Demand - a free tool developed with ABilityNet that provides a detailed report about adjustments that will help employees be more productive when dealing with RSI.

Others offer a solution that sits on top of your existing desk and allows you to lower a laptop up and down. For a makeshift solution, you could use an ironing board as a desk, which is height adjustable but for occasional rather than prolonged use.

Call our FREE helpline on for support from an AbilityNet volunteer who can advise on making adjustments to the technology you use or additional tech that may help, such as voice dictation, for example. The tutorial offers training and advice to customise your device. Training is also the most efficient way to improve confidence and encourage further independent learning. Many people are unaware of the accessibility and productivity tools built into mainstream packages such as Office and Google Suite.

Reacting to the pandemic, we have launched a working from home review for employers to help you make sure employees are well supported as their home doubles up as the office. Employees can prompt a conversation using our online tool ClearTalents OnDemand.

We offer a range of FREE factsheets you can view online or print. A number are specifically useful for people who have RSI or musculoskeletal conditions.

We have a factsheet about RSI in the workplace and another that explores alternative keyboards and mice and adaptations , some of which may help with RSI.