Treatment of Repetitive Strains and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The term ‘Repetitive Strain Injury’ is used to describe a number of musculoskeletal conditions. It is an umbrella term that includes carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder or wrist tendonitis and lateral epicondylitis.of the elbow.

It is a disorder of the muscles and the tendons that attach to them. These conditions are usually caused by repetitive tasks that have a cumulative effect on the muscular system. It is often caused by poor ergonomic environments while working in front of a computer or at an assembly line.

Repetitive tasks that demands physical exertion can result in overuse and inflammation of the muscles. Typical complaints are of acute pain in the muscles or tendons and worsened by contracting the muscles. Weakness is also present and the muscles are tender when palpated.

Treatment is aimed at reducing the myofascial tension with heat and stretches. Our physiotherapists apply pain relieving modalities to help relax muscle spasm.  Acupuncture is an option. Hands-on therapy may include passive myofascial stretches. Specific exercises to the opposite muscle group can, by reciprocal innervation, relax the affected muscle. Self-stretching becomes an important home exercise. .

WSIB recognizes 3 Repetitive Strains of the workplace within the ‘Program of Care’. The problem is increasing in most industrialized countries, principally through the intensive use of computers and other technology that involves large amounts of keyboarding. Posture related health problems are also growing due to the sedentary nature of many office jobs.