Repetitive strain injury (RSI) Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, October 2009.
Answers to questions about repetitive strain injury (RSI)
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Is there a difference between RSI and an upper limb disorder?
- I think I have RSI. What help can I expect from my employer?
- Are there early symptoms of RSI that I should look out for?
- My son spends hours on his games console and texting. Is he at risk of developing RSI?
Is there a difference between RSI and an upper limb disorder?
The two terms broadly refer to problems affecting the upper back, neck, shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) and upper limb disorders (ULDs) cover around 20 conditions.
Explanation
The terminology can be confusing. Different organisations and publications often use different terms for the same conditions, for example, the Health and Safety Executive uses RSI to refer to pain in the arm caused by working on computers. But RSI and ULDs can be used to describe the same group of medical conditions. You may also see the same conditions referred to as work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs), overuse injuries or musculoskeletal disorders.
These conditions are grouped together as they affect your upper limbs. Examples include tennis elbow (epicondylitis), carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).
Further information
Health and Safety Executive
0845 345 0055
www.hse.gov.uk
Sources
- Aching arms (or RSI) in small businesses. Health and Safety Executive. www.hse.gov.uk, accessed 16 July 2009
- Work-related rheumatic complaints, an information booklet. Arthritis Research Campaign. www.arc.org.uk, accessed 16 July 2009
- Repetitive strain injury. workSMART. Trades Union Congress. www.worksmart.org.uk, accessed 23 April 2009
- What is RSI? RSI Awareness. www.rsi.org.uk, accessed 16 July 2009
I think I have RSI. What help can I expect from my employer?
Report any possible RSI symptoms to your employer as soon as possible, as carrying on can make things worse. By law your employer must offer you help.
Explanation
Your employer has a legal duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to prevent work-related RSI, and to stop RSI from worsening. You need to talk to your manager, human resources department or the occupational health department. It may make it easier for your employer to help you if your GP can give you a specific diagnosis, but often this won't be possible.
Ask your employer to carry out a proper risk assessment in consultation with you. This means they need to:
- observe you doing your job, whether it's sitting at a computer, on a factory production line or at a supermarket checkout
- look at your posture, how you use any equipment and the amount of work you do
- ask about your problems in detail
You may need to take time off work, but once you begin to feel better it can help to get back into work, gradually building up your hours. Always take medical advice about what is best for you. Following your assessment, your employer should give you specific advice. This may involve changing your duties or the way you work.
Further information
Health and Safety Executive
0845 345 0055
www.hse.gov.uk
RSI Action
www.rsiaction.org.uk
Sources
- What people with RSI need from employers. RSI Action. www.rsiaction.org.uk, accessed 23 April 2009
- Aching arms (or RSI) in small businesses. Health and Safety Executive. www.hse.gov.uk, accessed 16 July 2009
Are there early symptoms of RSI that I should look out for?
Yes, but many people don't realise that they have RSI until their symptoms have worsened. Early symptoms can include mild tingling, aching or twinges in your fingers, hands or arms, usually towards the end of a long day at work.
Explanation
It can be difficult to know what is happening to you when you first have symptoms of RSI. It's really important to take action. Ignoring any pain you have and carrying on as normal can make things worse. As soon as you notice any possible RSI symptoms talk to your employer and your GP. The symptoms of RSI can progress to cause disabling pain. Your exact symptoms will vary depending on the specific RSI condition you have.
Further information
RSI Action
www.rsiaction.org.uk
Health and Safety Executive
0845 345 0055
www.hse.gov.uk
Sources
- What people with RSI need from employers. RSI Action. www.rsiaction.org.uk, accessed 23 April 2009
- Repetitive strain injury - what is it? RSI Action. www.rsiaction.org.uk, accessed 23 April 2009
- Aching arms (or RSI) in small businesses. Health and Safety Executive. www.hse.gov.uk, accessed 16 July 2009
My son spends hours on his games console and texting. Is he at risk of developing RSI?
Potentially, but there are things you can advise him to do to lessen his risk.
Explanation
Any movement of your hand or arm that is repeated over a long period of time can put you at risk of developing RSI. Using games consoles and texting on mobile phones all involve repetitive movements, so it's important to follow advice about preventing RSI. This includes:
- taking regular breaks every half an hour to give your muscles and tendons a rest - flex your fingers and stretch out your arms, and try to keep your back straight
- trying not to hunch over the console with your head tilted back to look at the screen
- not keeping your hands and arms rigid when your fingers and thumbs move at speed
- being aware of how you hold your mobile phone, for example, holding it in one hand and using a claw position with your thumb moving over the keys quickly can strain your arm tendons
- giving your hand and thumb a quick massage when texting, and rotating your hand at your wrist one way and then the other
If your child already has symptoms of RSI, such as tingling and soreness, don't ignore them. Make an appointment with your GP. Keep notes on times when they have the pain or other symptoms, and on how long they spend on the games console, computer or mobile phone.
Further information
RSI Action
www.rsiaction.org.uk
Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA)
0121 248 2000
www.rospa.com
AbilityNet
0800 269 545
www.abilitynet.org.uk
Sources
- Guide for young people: how to avoid RSI. RSI Action. www.rsiaction.org.uk, accessed 23 April 2009
- Healthy computing. AbilityNet. www.abilitynet.org.uk, accessed 23 April 2009
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: October 2009
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) factsheet
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