Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), also known as Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD) or Cumulative Trauma Disorder, refers to a range of painful conditions affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves, typically in the upper limbs, neck, and shoulders. Often caused by repetitive tasks, awkward postures, or sustained forceful movements, RSI can significantly impact your daily life and productivity.
At Physio Fitness, our expert physiotherapists in Hampstead and Finchley, North London, specialise in accurately diagnosing and providing effective treatment for RSI, helping you find lasting relief and prevent recurrence.
We understand how debilitating chronic pain from RSI can be, affecting everything from typing and cooking to hobbies and sleep. Our comprehensive approach focuses on identifying the specific contributing factors to your RSI, alleviating your symptoms, and equipping you with the knowledge and tools to manage and prevent future flare-ups.
Our greatest asset is our team of dedicated and highly skilled physiotherapists. Each member of the Physio Fitness family is passionate about helping you achieve your health goals, bringing a wealth of experience, specialised knowledge, and a compassionate approach to every session. All of our physiotherapists are fully qualified, HCPC registered, and committed to ongoing professional development to ensure you receive the most effective, evidence-based care.
RSI can manifest in various ways, often developing gradually over time. We successfully treat conditions such as:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers, often worse at night.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Pain on the outside of the elbow, often radiating down the forearm.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Pain on the inside of the elbow.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis: Pain and swelling at the base of the thumb and wrist.
Text Neck/Tech Neck: Neck pain, stiffness, and headaches caused by prolonged forward head posture using digital devices.
Tendonitis/Tendinopathy: Inflammation or degeneration of tendons in the wrist, forearm, or shoulder.
Non-specific Arm Pain: Generalised aching or discomfort in the arm or hand where no specific diagnosis is clear.
Our comprehensive RSI treatment programmes are highly individualised, focusing on both immediate pain relief and long-term prevention:
Detailed Biomechanical & Postural Assessment: We meticulously analyse your posture, movement patterns, workstation setup, and daily activities to identify the specific repetitive stresses contributing to your RSI.
Pain & Inflammation Management: Utilising gentle manual therapy, Electrotherapy (including Ultrasound and TENS), and ice/heat therapy to alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation.
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques such as soft tissue release, joint mobilisations, and soft tissue work to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and restore natural movement.
Targeted Exercise Rehabilitation: Specific stretching and strengthening exercises to address muscle imbalances, improve flexibility, and enhance endurance in the affected areas, to improve core stability and posture.
Ergonomic Advice & Workstation Assessment: Practical guidance on optimising your desk setup, seating, keyboard, mouse, and screen to reduce strain during work or hobbies.
Activity Modification & Pacing Strategies: Education on how to break up repetitive tasks, take micro-breaks, and pace your activities to allow for recovery and prevent symptom aggravation.
Movement Re-education: Coaching on efficient and less stressful ways to perform daily tasks and repetitive movements.
Load Management: Guidance on gradually increasing activity levels without overloading healing tissues.
