Chiropractic Treatment for Repetitive Strain Injuries in Bradford

A repetitive strain injury (RSI) builds up when a tendon, muscle or nerve is asked to do the same thing more often than it can recover from. Typing, using a mouse, gripping tools, lifting on a production line and racquet sports are all common causes. At WellCare Medical in Bradford West Gwillimbury, chiropractic treatment for repetitive strain injuries looks at the sore area and at the joints, posture and work habits feeding the problem.

• Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow: pain on the outside or inside of the elbow when gripping or lifting
• Wrist and forearm pain: aching or burning with typing, mouse use or tool work
• Carpal tunnel symptoms: tingling or numbness in the thumb and first fingers, often at night
• Shoulder and neck strain: from reaching, overhead work or holding one position for hours

Early signs are an ache that eases with rest. Left alone, the pain tends to start earlier in the task and take longer to settle.

• mobilization or adjustments for stiff joints in the wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck and upper back
• soft-tissue therapy for overworked forearm, shoulder and neck muscles
• gentle nerve-mobility exercises when tingling or numbness is present
• a graded strengthening program so the tissue can cope with the task again
• advice on your workstation, tools, grip and how to pace the work

Complete rest is rarely the answer. The goal is to reduce the load enough for the tissue to settle, then build its capacity back up.

We ask about your job, your hobbies and exactly which tasks bring the pain on. Your chiropractor then examines the painful area and tests the neck, shoulder and arm as a whole, because a problem higher up often shows itself lower down. If you can, bring a photo of your workstation or the tool you use.

See a doctor if you have constant numbness, a weak grip that is getting worse, visible wasting of the hand muscles, or a hot, swollen joint.

RSI usually needs both hands-on treatment and exercise. Our physiotherapists design loading programs for tendon and ligament injuries and for work-related injuries, and our massage therapists offer massage for repetitive strain injuries. For symptoms that travel down the arm, see chiropractic adjustments for pinched nerves.