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Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive Strain Injury!

Repetitive strain injury is typically caused by rapid, repeated use of muscles and joints (hammering), or by holding a muscle in a sustained load/position (using the computer mouse). It affects a broad variety of people from athletes such as tennis players and golfers to trades people like jackhammer operators and assembly line workers. Video
gaming, and even crafts like knitting are all associated with repetitive strain injuries.

It is not the one time that you do the activity that hurts you… If it were you would likely know enough to stop… or I hope you would. Rather, each time you do the activity, there is a little bit of injury. Normally, if you do the activity once in a while, the tissue heals and all is well. With repetitive strain however, you re-injure the tissue before it has healed. Inflammation, the normal healing mechanism of the body sets in and a gradual onset of numbness, tingling and burning sensations, swelling and aching pain are among the most common symptoms. Eventually, the tissue cannot keep up. Instead of healing the tissue, the body then tries to stabilize it. Normal elastic tissue is replaced with dense scar tissue..  and then even further deterioration develops.

This is what makes a repetitive injury so difficult to treat… the gradual onset and then re-re-re-aggravation turns it from a traumatic injury, to a deteriorative injury. Left untreated, repetitive strain can cause injuries that may not heal without a long break from the cause. Sadly, neglected too long, the injury becomes permanent. Compare a fresh rubber band with one that’s sat in the sun a while, and you get the picture.

Common types of repetitive strain include carpel tunnel syndrome, golfer’s elbow., tennis
elbow and rotator cuff injuries.

As a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC), I am highly trained to diagnose the cause of your pain and provide hands-on treatment that works. Ignoring symptoms doesn’t make them go away. In fact, it can make them worse. It’s important to treat not just the symptoms, but also the cause.

So here is your warning **** if some activity is causing you pain and fatigue, and it seems to be getting worse, you are on the road to a chronic and perhaps permanent injury.***  If repetitive strain injury is affecting your ability to get through the day and keeping you away from your favorite activities, consider chiropractic care. I will assess your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and recommend a treatment plan to put you on
the road to recovery. I can also provide expert advice to help you prevent pain and injury from recurring.

Chiropractic care can restore healthy function to your joints and the related muscles and ligaments to get you moving again. I will recommend a course of treatment specific to you that may include life and work style changes, adjustment and mobilization of the joints, ultrasound, muscle release techniques, muscle stimulation, and therapeutic exercises. Complications are rare and side-effects such as temporary soreness
are usually minor.

Chiropractors acquire their skills through an intensive four-year, full-time course of study
after at least three years of university education. For myself, I have taken additional courses in injury management, and sports injury. And I have over 25 years of clinical experience.

Your role? The success of any treatment relies on patients playing an active role. Treating repetitive strain may require making changes to your work station, taking breaks to relax overworked muscles and joints, and exercises to relieve stress and strengthen the affected parts of your body.

When should you consider chiropractic care? If you begin to experience pain in your
hands, wrists, arms or shoulders, consult a chiropractor for an assessment. Most people respond well to treatment and get back to their regular activities faster than waiting it out. With repetitive strain injuries…therapy may be essential.

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