How long does rsi take to heal

Other occupations that involve repetitive movements and may increase your risk include:. Your doctor will ask you questions about your work and other activities to try to identify any repetitive movements you do.

Your doctor may also order magnetic resonance imaging MRI or ultrasound to assess tissue damage. An electromyography EMG may be ordered to check on nerve damage. For mild damage, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist. If the damage is severe, they may also refer you to a specialist or surgeon. Your doctor and physical therapist can also suggest adjustments to your work station, such as readjusting your chair and desk if you work at a computer, or modifications to your movements and equipment to minimize muscle strain and stress.

Learn more: Tendon damage surgery ». Your outlook with RSI depends on the severity of your symptoms and your general health. You may be able to use conservative measures to modify your work routine and minimize pain and damage. Or, you may have to stop certain tasks at work for a while to rest the affected area. Good posture is the key to avoiding unnecessary stress on your muscles. You can place a bag of frozen peas in a towel and hold it to the joint, or wrap a hot water bottle in a towel.

Rest - you should try to rest the affected joint as recommended by a medical professional. Elevate it regularly too if possible. You can gradually introduce gentle exercises to prevent stiffness and to help build up strength. Corticosteroid injections - these can help reduce pain and swelling. Physiotherapy - you may need to do some physio exercises to help build up your muscle strength.

Surgery - in severe cases you may need surgery to treat the injury, though this is usually a last resort. How long does RSI take to heal? In some cases, the symptoms of RSI can become a long-term, chronic problem. If you work at a desk all day or carry out repetitive actions at work, there are some steps you can take to prevent RSI: Make sure your work space is suitable and comfortable.

You can read more tips here. Maintain good posture - whether you work at a desk, checkout or on an assembly line, make sure that you are positioned correctly. Take regular breaks - short breaks often are better than one long break. Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress, as tense muscles can encourage a RSI. Keep yourself healthy - eat a balanced diet and get regular exercise. What happens if a RSI is left untreated?

Article Resources Share. Some people with symptoms of RSI find that including exercise in their daily routine, such as walking or swimming , also eases their symptoms. Read about the benefits of exercise and physical activity guidelines for adults. A number of treatments are available that may help. If you have a specific medical condition, well-established treatments can often be recommended. These include self-help measures, medication, or even surgery, in some cases.

Some of these treatments may help even if a specific medical condition can't be diagnosed from your symptoms. Jobs that involve repetitive movements can lead to RSI, such as working on an assembly line, at a supermarket checkout or on a computer. Your work environment should be as comfortable as possible. You should ideally have a workplace assessment so that any adjustments needed can be made.

Your employer has a legal duty to try to prevent work-related RSI and ensure anyone who already has the condition doesn't get any worse. The first step in treating RSI is usually to identify and modify the task or activity that is causing the symptoms. If necessary, you may need to stop doing the activity altogether.

To relieve symptoms, your GP may recommend taking paracetamol or a short course of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug , such as ibuprofen. They may also suggest using a hot or cold pack, elastic support or splint. You may also be referred to a physiotherapist for advice on posture and how to strengthen or relax your muscles.