Examples of repetitive strain injuries abound across countless professions involving physical labor. Even office work is not immune. What is the recommended repetitive motion injury treatment? How can you prevent it from returning? Here’s what you should know.
Repetitive strain injuries result from repeated overuse of a specific body part. It’s a type of cumulative trauma, meaning it builds up over time. Although doctors once associated them primarily with manual labor, they have spilled over into other fields, including healthcare and office work.
Two classic examples of repetitive strain injuries are tennis elbow and jumper’s knee. However, these events often occur from daily work, not athletic participation. For example:
Repetitive motion injuries can cause considerable pain, disability and financial hardship. As they result after the individual has already been in the workforce for some time, finding a way to replace their income in another field isn’t easy. Such injuries can also impact their ability to remain in their current profession.
You have several options for repetitive motion injury treatment. Seeing your doctor should be your first step. They can confirm the diagnosis by ordering scans and performing tests. You may also need their documentation to request a leave of absence from work.
Your doctor can additionally recommend treatments that may help. In many cases, they’ll refer you to a rehab specialist or physiatrist. By using a combination of rehabilitation techniques and specific therapies such as nerve blocks and trigger point injections, such professionals can help you heal and may make it possible for you to continue in your current role without pain.
However, not everyone can afford health care. If you do not, avail yourself of over-the-counter relief and look into ways to alter your lifestyle. The following seven treatments can bring relief for repetitive motion injuries.
Rest is ultimately the best remedy. However, only the privileged few can afford to take time off work to heal. If possible, brainstorm solutions such as:
Employers need to understand repetitive strain injuries do not impact all employees equally. Manufacturers design tools and workstations for the average user, but human bodies come in all shapes and sizes. The same desk setup that delights one individual may cause repetitive strain in another. Communicating with your staff and giving them as much leeway as possible to create comfortable working conditions is a must.
Hot and cold therapy can bring relief. Which one works best is often a matter of personal preference.
Ice works as an anti-inflammatory, which is why experts generally recommend it for new — not chronic — injuries like repetitive strains. However, it can feel heavenly after a long day. Heat encourages blood flow, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the injury site.
Anti-inflammatory medications work by slowing prostaglandin formation — chemicals your body produces more of as part of the inflammatory response. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) block an enzyme that leads to their formation. Popular OTC versions include:
As with most medications, people respond in various ways, so experiment to find a type that works for you. Acetaminophen works slightly differently by affecting how your brain detects pain instead of attacking inflammation. While it can bring effective relief, it may impact your liver.
You can take NSAIDs in combination with acetaminophen and may find such combinations on shelves. Just use caution if you’re also sick — acetaminophen appears in many OTC cold remedies, and many overdoses have occurred from taking a combination of medications that all contain this ingredient.
Corticosteroid injections require a visit to your doctor but can bring lasting relief for a few weeks to several months. Your physician uses a needle to inject this powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the repetitive motion injury site. While a small amount circulates in your blood, most of it goes right to work on the injured tissue. Some people only require one combined with rest to get relief, while others get regular injections.
Braces and splints can help with repetitive motion injuries by restricting the range of motion responsible for the damage. For example, it’s not uncommon to see workers wearing back or knee braces.
Be aware that you can also use these devices as preventive measures. Maybe your knee only aches on occasion, but if your job requires a ton of bending and lifting, a set of patellar straps can protect the ligaments and connective tissues around your knee, handling some of the workload. Likewise, back braces are advisable for anyone who performs heavy lifting in their job, regardless of existing injury.
If you can’t modify the type of work you do, you may be able to alter how you do it. Small changes in your range of motion can make a huge difference. For example, bending down and using your quads and hamstrings to lift heavy boxes prevents strain on your lower back.
If your workplace employs a trainer to coach you on the most ergonomic way to perform certain movements, take advantage. Otherwise, you might consider speaking with your trainer at the gym for tips or seek occupational therapy to teach you methods to prevent injuries specific to your profession.
In rare cases, you may need surgery to repair a repetitive motion injury. Hip and knee replacements are quite common, although they are major procedures that require significant downtime. Back surgery often has a longer recovery period.
During your convalescence, you’ll likely work with a physical therapist who can coach you on the correct ways to move to prevent future injuries. Your doctor will advise you of any limitations.
You can see repetitive motion injury examples in nearly every profession, from typists to truck drivers. Knowing your options for treatment helps you find the relief you deserve. Take early action to address the problem to increase your chances of preserving your range of motion and possibly your career.
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