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Home » Products tagged “Repetitive Stress Injury”

Repetitive Stress Injury

Dr. Max Alastair Trotz

Medically reviewed & edited by Dr. Max Trotz,
MBBS (State Examination), MRCP (Edin), DCH

A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a painful condition caused by a gradual accumulation of damage to muscles, tendons or nerves. RSI injuries are also called overuse injuries or repetitive stress injuries.

RSI damage is typically caused by repetitive tasks performed over time. It can also be the result of forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compressions or sustained or awkward positions. The main thing is that RSI damage always accumulates gradually over time.

The term “RSI” is actually an umbrella term that covers a large number of discrete conditions. These include (rotator cuff) tendinosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, golfer’s and tennis elbow and trigger finger. Some RSI injuries are sports injuries linked to repetitive motions required by a particular sport.

Many of these injuries can be addressed by the use of the P.R.I.C.E. strategy to protect, rest, ice, compress and elevate the injured structure.

An orthopedic brace or athletic tape can be used to protect muscles, ligaments or tendons that are damaged by overuse. The tape or brace restricts the movement of the injured muscle, tendon, ligament or other structure. This permits it to heal naturally.

What Is A Repetitive Strain Injury?

As explained above, these are injuries caused by gradual damage to muscles, ligaments, nerves or tendons over time. Many repetitive stress injuries are caused by everyday activities that many of us take for granted. Examples of such actions include:

Using a computer mouse (can cause carpal tunnel syndrome, an RSI of the wrist that has been associated with the use of vibratory tools and with activities involving frequent flexion or extension of the wrist);
Painting an overhead object (may cause RSI injuries such as rotator cuff tendonitis);
Using a hammer (may cause tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis – an RSI involving the outer elbow tendons);
Playing a sport that requires plenty of running, an activity that can lead to shin splints. It can also cause stress fractures of the shin bone.

RSI Causes

Overuse injuries are typically the result of repetitive motions. Many of them occur as a result of physical work activities. Examples for such work activities leading to RSI include lateral epicondylitis in textile workers, hand-wrist tendinitis in board manufacturers, sewers, packers and assembly line workers as well as carpal tunnel syndrome in jobs requiring the use of vibratory tools. When this happens the cumulative effect of the movements can stress muscles, tendons or ligaments over time.

However, RSIs are sometimes caused by other types of activities such as:

Holding the same posture for long periods;
Holding an abnormal posture for extended periods;
Lifting heavy objects, especially when doing so with inefficient technique. An often cited example of this is lifting a heavy object by bending the back instead of the knees. This can lead to lower back pain – one of the most widely experienced overuse injuries.

Risk Factors

Some of the factors that can increase the propensity to experience an RSI are:

Being in poor condition, so that the muscles, tendons or ligaments are easily overworked;
Having a job that requires repetitive movements over extended periods. Examples include dental hygienists, gardeners and people who use a computer mouse all day;
Working in an occupation that requires extensive standing time. Examples include waitresses, air hostesses, bus conductors and teachers.
Having a job that requires maintaining uncomfortable or unusual positions for long periods. Plumbers and heating/cooling technicians are examples.

Symptoms Of A Repetitive Strain Injury

The symptoms of an RSI usually appear at major muscle groups or joints, such as knees, ankles, forearms and shoulders. They may include:

Pain, which can be anywhere from mild to moderate to severe;
A “tender to the touch” feeling in the affected area;
Swelling;
Inflammation;
Joint stiffness;
Unusual sensations, such as tingling or throbbing;
A partial or complete loss of feeling (i.e. numbness);
Muscle weakness;
Reduced joint range of motion;
Joint instability; and
Hyper sensitivity to cold or heat.

Because of the gradual and progressive nature of the damage done by an RSI, its symptoms typically begin gradually. They may also be intermittent in nature at the beginning (i.e. they may come and go).

However, as time goes on, overuse injury symptoms tend to become more persistent and severe. Eventually, if left untreated, they may start to interfere with the ability to perform everyday activities.

Treating Repetitive Stress Injuries

Doctors usually opt initially for a conservative treatment plan:

Resting the injured muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves;
Protecting injured muscles, ligaments and tendons from further stress with an orthopedic brace or athletic tape;
Icing the injury or applying a cold compress (typically 20 minutes at a time, every 2-3 hours);
Applying compression to the injury;
Elevating the injured body part above heart level if and when possible;
Using pain killers like tylenol (paracetamol) or non steroidal anti inflammatory medications like advil (ibuprofen);
Corticosteroid injections to fight inflammation;
Physical therapy exercises (physiotherapy).

Healing times vary widely from several weeks to a few months in acute florid tenosynovitis through to 8-12 months in epicondylitis and 12-18 months in adhesive capsulitis.

In addition to the above, an occupational therapist can recommend changes to the home or work environment. These will hopefully reduce the stress on muscles, tendons, etc. caused by everyday activities. Examples may include changing the height or shape of your chair or desk at work. In general, the employer and worker should think about the design and choice of equipment at the workplace. This should then be followed by modifications to reduce the likelihood of RSIs occurring.

If these conservative steps do not work, doctors may consider surgery to directly repair the injured structures. In addition, surgical intervention sometimes involves decompression and release. However, physical therapy exercises and changes recommended by an occupational therapist may still be necessary to prevent injury recurrence.

Preventing Overuse Injuries

There are several steps that one can take to reduce the risk of experiencing an RSI. These may include:

Strength training to prepare bones, muscles and tendons for repetitive movements;
Modifying your work environment to reduce stress on your back, wrists, etc. These may include changing your sitting position,computer monitor position, using a phone headset, etc.
Trying to incorporate frequent position changes in your daily routine. For example, spend 20-30 minutes working in a standing position at your desk every hour or so.
If you normally have to spend long periods standing, consider using an anti fatigue mat;

For more tips on RSI prevention, consult the National Education Association handbook on RSI..

Suggested Repetitive Stress Injury Products

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Brand

Andover Healthcare(3)
Covidien™(1)
Cramer® Sports Medicine(3)
Dynamic Tape(1)
DynaPro Health(6)
Endura-Tape(1)
Essity(2)
- BSN Medical(2)
Kinesio®(3)
McDavid®(1)
Mueller® Sports Medicine(7)
ProBand®(1)
Rapid Relief(1)
Renfrew Athletics(1)

Product Category

Hot & Cold Therapy(1)
- Hot / Cold Compress(1)
Taping, Wrapping & Padding(28)
- Athletic Tape(28)
  - Cohesive Athletic Tape(4)
  - Elastic Adhesive Tape(5)
  - K Tape(8)
  - Zinc Oxide Tape(11)
    - Medical Strapping Tape(3)
Orthopedic Bracing & Support(2)
- Elbow Brace(2)
  - Elbow Sleeve(1)
  - Elbow Strap(1)

Price Range

In Stock

Band It Elbow Brace For Tennis Elbow Pain
Elbow Strap
Rated 5.00 out of 5

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Therapeutic Forearm Band – the Band It Elbow Brace is the only medically designed device which aids in the relief and prevention of pain associated with Tendinitis, Tennis Elbow, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Repetitive Stress Injuries and Cumulative Trauma Disorders sustained in the workplace or in recreational environments. Designed by world renowned orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, Donald Fareed, M.D. As a long time consultant to members of the Davis Cup, other professional sports teams and Olympic athletes, he designed the BandIt Strap based on 20 years of clinical observation and treatments of RSIs.
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In Stock

Cramer 1050i Athletic Tape
Zinc Oxide Tape
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Cramer 1050i athletic tape is a high quality porous and latex free tape that comes in useful for treating or preventing soft tissue injuries as well as cuts, scrapes and other similar skin damage.
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In Stock

Cramer 750 Athletic Tape
Zinc Oxide Tape
Rated 5.00 out of 5

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Cramer 750 Athletic Tape combines a latex free adhesive, a computer calibrated unwind and high tensile strength to offer unrivalled performance in supporting and stabilizing injured joints and muscles.
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In Stock

Cramer 950 Porous Athletic Tape
Zinc Oxide Tape
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Cramer 950 Porous Athletic Tape is both porous and latex free adhesive tape and is designed to provide high end performance at an attainable price
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Dynamic Tape
Elastic Adhesive Tape
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With its 4 directional stretch nylon and non irritating adhesive, your patients may find Dynamic Tape to be the most comfortable, yet effective athletic tape they have encountered.
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In Stock

EASYFIT Kinesiology Tape
K Tape
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The Mueller Sports Medicine EASYfit® Kinesiology Tape applications are easy to apply, are latex free and allow complete freedom of movement while in use.
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In Stock

ElastikWrap Non Tear Elastic Tape
Elastic Adhesive Tape
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DynaPro ElastikWrap is an ultra strong, non tear elastic adhesive tape that is useful for strapping or securing bandages to highly irregular areas of the body.
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In Stock

Elbow Sleeve
Elbow Sleeve
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The Mueller Sports Medicine Elbow Sleeve offers compression and soothing warmth to help promote healing from general elbow injuries. Fits either elbow.
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Endura Sports Tape
Medical Strapping Tape
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Designed by Jenny McConnell, Endura sports tape is a rigid rayon backed strapping tape optimized for patellofemoral strapping and taping.
This product has been discontinued. Please consider BSN Leukotape or DynaPro Rigid Athletic Tape instead.
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In Stock

Kinesio Tex Classic
K Tape
Rated 5.00 out of 5

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Dr. Kenzo Kase invented and developed the Kinesio Taping method over 30 years ago. The Kinesio Taping method is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while allowing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion. It successfully treats a variety of orthopaedic, neuromuscular, neurological and medical conditions.
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Kinesio Tex Gold
K Tape
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Kinesio Tex gold uses their patented Fingerprint (FP) technology to increase micro stimulation to the epidermis for improved therapeutic outcomes.
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Kinesiology RestoreTape
K Tape
Rated 4.80 out of 5

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Use DynaPro Kinesiology RestoreTape for speedy pain relief and recovery from sore & aching muscles, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, sprained ligaments, strained muscles or tendons and many other repetitive stress injuries. Available in colours black, blue, red and beige. Dimensions are 5 cm x 5 m or 5 cm x 31.5 m. This tape is hypoallergenic, latex free and made from 100% premium quality cotton fibre.
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Kinesiology Tape – 30m Continuous Roll
K Tape
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The Mueller Sports Medicine Kinesiology Tape – 30m Continuous Roll comes in a box designed for convenient dispensing and features Mueller’s revolutionary wave adhesive pattern for effective rehabilitation of sore, weak or damaged muscles or joints.
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Kinesiology Tape – 5m Continuous Roll
K Tape
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Try the Mueller Sports Medicine Kinesiology Tape – 5m Continuous Roll for rapid rehabilitation for your sore, weak or injured muscles and joints. With its revolutionary wave pattern adhesive, it will lift your skin as you move to optimize your circulation and promote early recovery to full health.
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Kinesiology Tape – I-Strip Roll
K Tape
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The Mueller Sports Medicine Kinesiology Tape – I-Strip Roll will lift the skin to promote blood and lymphatic circulation and reduce pain. It is designed to treat ligament injuries and repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel. It is used by Olympians and professional athletes to reduce muscular pain, increase their mobility and speed their recovery from injuries.
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Large Reusable Hot/Cold Compress
Hot / Cold Compress
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The Rapd Relief Large Reusable Hot/Cold Compress is designed with convenience, comfort, and effectiveness in mind to offer a safe, reusable, and adaptable solution for managing pain and promoting healing. With its easy-to-use design and dual therapy capabilities, this compress provides fast relief that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.
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LeukoTape P
Medical Strapping Tape
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BSN Leukotape P is a rayon backed rehabilitation tape with high tensile strength and a powerful adhesive. It is frequently used for taping the patella-femoral and shoulder areas and can remain in position for up to 18 hours at a time.
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McDavid Athletic Tape
Zinc Oxide Tape
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McDavid Athletic Tape is professional quality, easy-tear 1.5” lightweight zinc oxide tape presented in a variety of attractive retail packaging styles.
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MTape
Zinc Oxide Tape
Rated 5.00 out of 5

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Mueller MTape is a zinc oxide based athletic trainer’s tape designed for supporting weak, unstable or injured joints and featuring 100% cotton backcloth, high tensile strength and excellent tackiness. It is available in either bulk or retail packaging and can be purchased in white or several other attractive colours.
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Porous Zinc Oxide Tape
Zinc Oxide Tape
Rated 4.00 out of 5

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DynaPro Porous Zinc Oxide Tape will offer security under the most demanding conditions while being comfortable to wear and presenting less irritation to sensitive skin.
- High quality cotton backcloth coated with a strong zinc oxide based adhesive
- Constant unwind tension
- Useful for treating sprains, strains and other sports related soft tissue injuries;
- Strong enough to support and provide stability to smaller limbs and joints such as ankles, wrists and fingers
- Can be used in combination with a cohesive tape like DynaPro SelfWrap to support larger body parts such as knees and shoulders
- Porous construction that helps breathability and keeps the patient dry and comfortable underneath the tape job
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Power Tape
Cohesive Athletic Tape
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Andover Power Tape is used in combination with PowerFlex® for the Ultimate Taping System.
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PowerFlex
Cohesive Athletic Tape
Rated 5.00 out of 5

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Andover PowerFlex – the ultimate performance bandage – is a patented cohesive flexible bandage that eliminates the need for the pre-wrap and adhesive spray normally required for use with traditional athletic taping systems.
- Sticks only to itself and not to the patient’s skin
- Combines with Andover PowerTape or VictoryTape to form an ultra strong combination taping system
- Many therapists will also use Andover PowerFlex in combination with a regular zinc oxide tape like Renfrew 188 or DynaPro Porous Zinc Oxide Tape for an effective and popular combination
- Available in widths between 1″ and 4″ and in a very wide choice of colours matching most team uniforms
- Useful for supporting weak, stable or injured joints (strains, sprains, etc.)
- Can also be used for treating wounds and holding wound care bandages in place (but see Powerflex AFD)
- Also has veterinary applications as it will not damage animal skin or fur as would a traditional adhesive tape/bandage
- Made in the USA
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Pre-Cut Application
K Tape
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Kinesio® Pre-Cut, not a slap on solution. Kinesio® Pre-Cuts are true field tested Kinesio taping applications. Each Kinesio® Pre-Cut is adjustable and designed for easy application. For the Back, Neck, Knee, Wrist and Foot. Each application comes with easy to follow, step-by-step application instruction, as well as measurement guides on the paper backing to adjust to your needs.
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Professional Trainers Tape
Zinc Oxide Tape
Rated 5.00 out of 5

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Renfrew Tape (#188 Professional Trainers Tape) is Canadian made from premium bleached cotton back cloth coated with a zinc oxide-impregnated rubber adhesive.
- Useful for treating sprains, strains and other sports injuries involving joints and soft tissues
- Can also be applied to weak or vulnerable joints for additional support during athletically demanding activities
- Effectively supports smaller joints such as fingers, wrists or even ankles.
- 100% Canadian made
- Fully tearable
- Premium quality zinc oxide adhesive
- Can be effectively used in combination with a self adhesive tape like Andover Powerflex
Please see below for additional information about Renfrew Tape (#188 Professional Trainers Tape).
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Clinic Supplies
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