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REPETITIVE STRESS INJURY
IN THE WORKPLACE GUIDE
A repetitive strain injury—also known as a repetitive stress injury or repetitive motion injury—can stem from common physical actions performed daily in various jobs. Workplace RSIs can affect anyone, from a construction worker in constant motion to a remote employee seated at their desk.
Developing a repetitive strain injury from workplace tasks can become a long-term issue that decreases productivity, causes constant pain and discomfort, and generally makes work life more difficult. Our workplace RSI guide can help you prevent, manage, and recover from these injuries.
Common Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries occur when repeated actions stress and damage muscles, tendons, and other soft tissue over time.
Common conditions considered repetitive strain injuries include the following:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Trapped nerves
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Tennis elbow
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- Bursitis
Common Industries That See Repetitive Stress Injuries
While workers in any occupation can develop repetitive strain injuries, they tend to be more common in certain occupations, usually physically demanding ones. Examples of jobs where repetitive strain injuries are common include the following:
- Manufacturing, factory, or warehouse workers have job duties that involve frequent heavy lifting or repetitive movement of the arms and hands.
- Construction workers often perform strenuous activities and repetitive movements, sometimes involving the use of vibrating tools.
- Health care workers, such as nurses, must bend, stand, use their hands for long periods, and lift patients.
- Office workers can develop RSIs in their hands and wrists from overuse and in their backs from sitting for long periods with poor posture.
- Entertainers, such as dancers, musicians, and athletes, develop repetitive strain injuries from practicing or performing too often.
Common Symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injuries usually affect parts of the hands, arms, shoulders, back, or knees. They can result from any oft-repeated movement. Given the nature of RSIs, symptoms will likely appear mild at first and gradually worsen over time.
Symptoms of a repetitive strain injury can include aches and pains, swelling, cramps, numbness, tingling, or sensitivity in the affected body part.
How to Prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries
Repetitive strain injuries are often mild initially, leading patients to assume they will fade with time. However, inaction will often cause symptoms to worsen. Seeking medical attention early in response to initial symptoms can help treat the injury before it develops into a chronic issue.
If you’re experiencing risk factors like constant repetitive tasks, overexertion, or awkward postures at work, consider seeing a doctor and trying the following tips to mitigate any repetitive strain injuries.
Stretch, Cool Down, and Warm Up Before and After Physical Activity
Properly preparing your body for physical tasks will help you work more comfortably and efficiently for longer periods of time. Stretching before and after repetitive motions can also help you recover from existing RSIs.
Improve and Maintain Your Posture Throughout the Day
Bad posture can make a strenuous repetitive motion much more harmful over time. When performing tasks such as lifting heavy objects, make sure to use proper form and avoid placing too much weight and strain on specific parts of the body.
This is especially important for those like office workers who must remain seated or stand uninterrupted for much of the day. Sitting in an awkward position can cause strain on your body over time. It’s encouraged that you pay attention to your comfort level, adjust your posture accordingly, and take occasional breaks to move and stretch.
Take Regular and Consistent Breaks
Rest is vital to preventing overexertion. Make sure you rest often enough to avoid fatigue and muscle damage—taking more frequent short breaks can be more effective than taking fewer longer breaks.
These breaks are a good time to stretch out and ease any tension you’ve built up during your tasks Follow up with taking the time to treat any existing strain injuries with ice or heat.
Ensure Your Workstation is Ergonomic
Bad posture and awkwardly positioned tasks are frequent causes of repetitive strain injuries. An ergonomic workspace that minimizes unnecessary strain by emphasizing comfort while maximizing productivity can help prevent these injuries.
Using a chair with back support, desks and monitors that can be adjusted to your eye level, and other ergonomic features can help. Discussing ergonomics with your co-workers and bosses can make it easier to acquire these accommodations and share their benefits throughout your workplace. If all else fails, you can argue that ergonomics will result in fewer workers’ compensation claims.
Avoid Overworking Your Body and Vary Your Tasks
Even if you maintain good posture and take breaks, simple overuse can still result in a repetitive strain injury. Switching tasks throughout the day can help you rest the muscle groups you use the most while staying productive.
How to Recover from Repetitive Stress Injuries
If you’re having trouble working because of your injury, consult a medical provider sooner rather than later. Your doctor can help you develop a plan to live with, treat, and prevent further repetitive strain injuries.
Resting the injured body part is the best way to promote healing. Take regular breaks, stretch before and after physical activity, and perform strengthening exercises to mitigate any muscle loss from rest. You can also apply cold or hot compresses to the affected area.
A physical therapist can help you rehabilitate a complicated or persistent injury that needs more specialized attention.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin can help reduce pain and swelling, but they can have mixed effects on your recovery process. They may cause side effects like dizziness, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, and more.
If You Have Questions About Repetitive Strain Injuries, Contact the Illinois Hammer Injury Law Firm
Our dedicated team has spent over 30 years fighting relentlessly for Illinois injury victims. If you’re experiencing a repetitive strain injury and need more information or are considering making a claim, The Illinois Hammer Injury can help.
Contact us online or call 888-742-6637 today for a free case evaluation.
