Ways To Prevent Repetitive Stress Injuries
A repetitive stress injury (RSI) occurs when repetitive motions start to damage muscles, nerves, and tendons. A repetitive stress injury is also called a repetitive strain injury. It can also be referred to as an overexertion injury, although an overexertion injury can occur even with one sudden movement. Unfortunately, repetitive stress injuries are quite common among employees. Often, the body parts affected are the hands, elbows, neck, wrists, forearms, and shoulders. The good news, however, is that you can avoid repetitive stress injuries. In this article, we share some tips on how to prevent repetitive stress injuries.
Common Repetitive Stress Injuries
Before discussing how to prevent repetitive stress injuries, it is important that you know about the common repetitive stress injuries. The following are some of the common repetitive stress injuries;
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: This condition causes numbness, pain, and tingling in the hand and forearm.
- Tennis elbow/Tendinitis: This condition causes pain around the outside of the elbow.
- Bursitis: This painful condition affects the sacs that cushion the bones, muscles, and tendons near the joints.
- Rotator cuff injuries: A rotator cuff injury can cause pain in the shoulder.
Sometimes, two or more repetitive stress injuries can occur at the same time.
Tips on How To Prevent Repetitive Stress Injuries
To avoid repetitive stress injuries, you need to look for more efficient ways to perform tasks. The following are some ways you can reduce your risk of suffering a repetitive stress injury;
- Use Safe Lifting Techniques
If your job entails lifting heavy loads, ensure you use safe lifting techniques. According to OSHA, safe lifting involves, among other things, the following;
- Standing close to the load
- Holding the load close to your body at waist height
- Bending at the hips and knees only till you are in a deep squatting position
- Keeping your head up and straight and your back straight
- Limit the Amount of Time You Spend Doing Repetitive Tasks
If possible, break up repetitive tasks to limit the time you spend performing one task.
- Use the Right Tool for the Task
If you are in the construction industry, ensure you use the correct tool for the job. The tool should fit your hand and be lightweight.
- Move and Stretch Often
If your job entails sitting or standing for long periods, find opportunities to move and stretch your fatigued muscles.
- Take Breaks When You Need to
If you feel tired, take a break and resume work when you feel better.
- Listen to Your Body
Make sure you pay attention to how your body is feeling. If you are experiencing persistent pain, do not ignore the pain. It could be a warning sign of a severe injury to follow. And if you notice that performing a particular task causes you pain, avoid performing the task, if possible.
- Perform Corrective Exercises
Finally, it can benefit you to perform corrective exercises. These gentle stretches and routines focus on mending damaged muscles, soft tissue, and joints. Corrective exercises are often done with a chiropractor’s guidance and supervision.
Legal Help Is Available
Despite your efforts, you can still end up sustaining a repetitive stress injury. If that happens, you may be entitled to recover workers’ compensation benefits. Our skilled Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer at Connolly Injury Law can help you file your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Source:
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17424-repetitive-strain-injury
