Aligned Integrated Health
Repetitive Strain Injury: Symptoms, Causes and Care
When the Same Motion Adds Up
A repetitive strain injury, often called RSI, is pain and irritation in muscles, tendons and nerves caused by doing the same motion over and over, such as typing, using a mouse, lifting on a production line or working with tools. It most often affects the wrists, hands, forearms, neck and shoulders. At Aligned Integrated Health, repetitive strain injuries are a common part of our work injury care in Scottsdale.
This page explains what repetitive strain injury is, the symptoms to watch for, what causes it, and how we approach care.
- An exam of the hands, arms, neck and posture together
- Massage therapy and corrective exercise in one clinic
- Practical changes for your workstation and routine
What Is a Repetitive Strain Injury?
Repetitive strain injury is a broad term for problems that build slowly from repeated movement, sustained awkward positions, or constant small loads. Unlike a sudden injury, there is often no single moment it started.
Key Features:
- Wrist and Hand: Aching, tingling or weakness from typing, mouse use or gripping tools.
- Forearm and Elbow: Tightness and pain along the forearm from repeated gripping and lifting.
- Neck and Shoulders: Tension and pain from long hours at a screen or repeated overhead work.
Repetitive Strain Injury Symptoms and Causes
Here is how repetitive strain injury usually shows up and what drives it.
Repetitive Strain Injury Symptoms
Common repetitive strain injury symptoms include aching or burning pain, stiffness, tingling or numbness, weakness or a loss of grip strength, and pain that is worse during or after the repeated task. Symptoms often start mild and come and go, then become more constant if nothing changes.
Repetitive Strain Injury in the Wrist
Repetitive strain injury in the wrist is one of the most common forms, often linked to keyboard and mouse use. Tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers can point to pressure on the median nerve, sometimes called carpal tunnel syndrome. Because nerves in the hand start at the neck, Dr. Dan checks the neck and shoulders too when hand symptoms appear.
What Causes Repetitive Strain Injury?
High repetition, awkward wrist and neck positions, forceful gripping, vibration from tools, poorly set up workstations, and too few breaks all contribute. Rounded shoulders and forward head posture from long screen time can add to neck and shoulder strain. Our guide to desk job back pain covers workstation basics.
Is a Repetitive Strain Injury a Work Injury?
It can be. If repeated tasks at work caused or worsened your symptoms, it may be part of a workers compensation claim. Our guide to Arizona workers comp and chiropractic care explains how the process works.
How a Repetitive Strain Injury Chiropractor Can Help
Care may include gentle Pro Adjuster adjustments for the neck and upper back, massage therapy for overworked forearm, neck and shoulder muscles, and chiropractic with rehabilitation to build strength and better movement habits. We also talk through changes to your workstation and routine, so the same motion stops causing the same problem.
When to See a Medical Doctor
See a medical doctor promptly for numbness or weakness that is getting worse, a hand that is losing strength or dropping things, or symptoms after a fall or sudden injury. Some nerve problems need medical testing.
Related Conditions We Treat in Scottsdale
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a repetitive strain injury?
Pain and irritation in muscles, tendons and nerves caused by repeated motion or sustained awkward positions, most often in the wrists, hands, neck and shoulders.
Can a chiropractor help repetitive strain injury?
Chiropractic care can help by addressing the neck, upper back and shoulder mechanics that often contribute, along with massage and corrective exercise. Dr. Dan will refer you if your symptoms need medical testing.
Will a repetitive strain injury go away on its own?
Mild symptoms sometimes ease with rest and changes to the task, but symptoms that keep returning usually need the cause addressed.
Can a chiropractor help carpal tunnel?
Some people looking for a carpal tunnel chiropractor have symptoms that start at the neck or are made worse by posture and workstation setup, which chiropractic care and rehab can address. Carpal tunnel syndrome itself can need medical testing and treatment, and Dr. Dan will refer you when that is the right step.
Do you treat work injuries in Scottsdale?
Yes. Call (480) 661-1977.
Get Help for Repetitive Strain in Scottsdale, AZ
Aligned Integrated Health is at 10752 North 89th Place, Suite C130 in Scottsdale. Dr. Daniel J. Gerwig, D.C. has been practicing since 2001 and sees patients here himself. Most insurances are accepted and walk-ins are welcome.
New Patient Special. Includes the consultation, exam, report of findings and X-rays. See the current offer. Not valid for use with federally sponsored programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.