Repetitive Strain Injury Treatments

Repetitive Strain, commonly known as RSI, is a condition commonly associated with people who work for prolonged periods of time with a computer keyboards and/or mouse, and manual workers - especially where there is a repeated movement or activity. RSI also includes injuries such as 'tennis elbow' or 'golfer's elbow', 'runners knee' and 'shin splints', which are but a few examples.

Osteopathic treatment can benefit repetitive strain injury, particularly when treated early. You will be advised to try and stop the specific movement if that is possible, or recommended different ways to do the same activity, with less stress on your tissues and joints. Osteopathy will treat the site of the symptoms and areas further away, giving the symptomatic site a chance to work less and recover.

Exercise advice will vary dependent on the individual and symptoms. See an example of exercises that relate to osteopathic treatment of RSI: Shoulder Exercises

Osteopathy with Daryl Herbert & Associates

Daryl Herbert is an internationally experienced osteopath especially in manipulation, having lectured, treated and taught worldwide and his simple approach to normalise the tissues and restore optimum function is essential to a speedy recovery alongside positive rehab.

What is ‘Tennis Elbow’?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition causing pain around the outside of the elbow and often radiating down the forearm. It's typically caused by repetitive strain or overuse of the forearm muscles, leading to damage to the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow (the lateral epicondyle). Not always associated with playing Tennis, the condition is more commonly caused by work, home and physical actions involving hand gripping, and rotating the forearm outwards or away from the body.

How does osteopathy help ‘Tennis Elbow’?

Daryl’s Osteopathic treatment approach to this elbow condition focusses local direct hands on pressure to the tendon and more gently over the boney point, with soft tissue massage to the Common Extensor muscles (muscles on outer side of Forearm) working towards the body to avoid further pulling on the tendons. Treatment may include mobilising and, if necessary, Specific Manipulation to Specific Elbow joints, mobilising of the Shoulder & Wrist and the Cervical (neck) spine - especially the C5/6 Facet Joint for neurological linking.

A simple 1-2”/3-6cm strap is often suggested especially of the person cannot avoid specific movements. It is placed on the forearm near to the Elbow but approximately 2 finger widths from the painful point in the direction to the wrist, not over the painful point.

Exercises should be avoided which use muscles of the forearm and hands, especially gripping and bringing the hand/wrist backwards.

In some cases, Acupuncture/Dry Needling can help, with some local work, but that must be performed by a insured, licensed and qualified practitioner.

What is ‘Jogger's Knee’?

Jogger’s knee is a common knee condition characterised by pain inside the knee behind the knee cap, often described as being at the front of the knee by the sufferer.

With jogger's knee, sharp or dull pain can be experienced when climbing stairs, sitting or squatting, and can worsen during or after exercise. Patients often complain of ‘noises’ in the knee.

Symptoms are caused by a breakdown of cartilage on the underside of the patella (knee cap); it's a common complaint among athletes such as runners and jumpers, and other people who perform repetitive knee bending and straightening motions.

How does osteopathy help ‘Jogger's Knee’?

Daryl’s osteopathic treatment approach to restore optimum ‘normal’ knee function focusses on reducing the flexed (bent or not fully flat) knee orientation, applying soft tissue massage to Quadriceps & especially Popliteus muscles. This is followed by Rhythmic Mobilising to encourage extension and, as necessary, full flexion.

Further treatment can be applied to encourage normal hip joint movement especially extension, ensure good ankle & foot function and ensure good function of the small “Facet” joints in the Lumbar spine - especially the L3/4 level for good neurological linking.

Lastly, exercise advice that relaxes the Quadriceps muscles to decompress the knee cap, only advising muscle strengthening once this problem is fully resolved (muscle strengthening too soon will aggravate the problem).

Most Private Health Insurance (PHI) companies now will cover Osteopathic Treatment......