Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a term sometimes used for pain caused by repeated movement of part of the body. It often gets better on its own, but there are things you can do to help speed up your recovery.

You can get repetitive strain injury (RSI) in many parts of the body, but it most often affects the:

  • shoulders
  • elbows
  • forearms and wrists
  • hands and fingers

The symptoms usually start gradually and can include:

  • pain, which may feel like burning, aching or throbbing
  • stiffness and weakness
  • tingling, pins-and-needles or numbness
  • muscle cramps
  • swelling

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is caused by repeated use of a body part, such as your shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist or hand.

For example, you can get RSI if:

  • you do repetitive activities like hairdressing, decorating, typing or working on an assembly line
  • you play sports like golf or tennis that involve lots of repetitive movements
  • you have poor posture when sitting or standing at work
  • you use hand-held power tools regularly

Repetitive or strenuous work does not always cause RSI. Many people do the same job for years without having a problem.

Pain in a part of the body like the arm is often caused by a combination of things, including aging.

There are a number of things you can do to help ease the symptoms of repetitive strain injury (RSI).

Do

  • keep active – you may need to limit the amount of activity you do to start with before gradually increasing it

  • take paracetamol or anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen – you can get tablets or gels that you rub on the painful area

  • try using a hot or cold pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on the affected area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours

  • speak to your employer about ways they can help you continue working, like changing the way you work or reducing your hours

Don't

  • do not rest the affected area for more than a few days – resting for too long can lead to the affected body part becoming weaker and less flexible

You can ask a pharmacist:

  • about painkilling tablets and gels
  • if you need to see a GP

Find a pharmacy

See a GP if:

  • you have symptoms of repetitive strain injury (RSI) and they are not going away or are getting worse

Most people with repetitive strain injury (RSI) are able to manage their symptoms and get better without further treatment.

Physiotherapy

If your symptoms do not improve, you may be referred for physiotherapy.

As well as massaging the affected area, a physiotherapist can show you exercises to help strengthen your muscles and improve your posture.

Physiotherapy is free on the NHS throughout the UK but waiting times can be long. You can also pay to see a physiotherapist privately.

Find a physiotherapist

Sometimes steroid injections may be recommended to help reduce pain and swelling.

Rarely, surgery may be needed if RSI is very severe.

Self-refer for treatment

If you have RSI, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

  • ask the receptionist staff at your GP surgery
  • check your GP surgery's website
  • contact your local integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB
  • search online for NHS treatment for RSI near you