Pilates Central » RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)
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RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) And
CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
The term 'Repetitive Strain Injury' (RSI) is an umbrella term used to describe a number of musculo-skeletal conditions, including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a disorder involving numbness in the hand and pain in the wrist due to the compression of a nerve in the arm.
Such conditions are usually caused by a mixture of bad ergonomics, poor posture, stress and repetitive motion, such as working with a keyboard. Symptoms can include pain, stiffness, swelling, numbness or tingling in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, back or neck.
Regular stretching is an important part of RSI prevention and recovery, and sufferers tend to find that their pain decreases as they become increasingly flexible.
Hands-on therapies are often prescribed but the RSI Association suggests that, 'for a more complete recovery and to prevent relapse, it may be helpful to learn a body-management or postural-retraining technique. The skills required to undo bad habits, balance out muscle groups and realign posture take time to develop, but the investment often pays off in terms of reduced pain and tension.'
It recommends Pilates. 'As well as helping to resolve the postural problems associated with RSI, the precise flowing movements of Pilates can form part of a controlled rehabilitation programme.'
Pilates, what's more, focuses on secondary structural muscles as much as the bigger movement muscles, which should make it particularly helpful for musculo-skeletal disorders.
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