RSI also known as cumulative trauma disorders, repetitive stress injuries, repetitive motion injuries or disorders and/or occupational overuse syndromes are injuries of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems that are precipitated by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, mechanical compressions or sustained and/or awkward positions.

Patients generally present with activity-related limb pain, tingling, numbness, stiffness and/or fatigue which increases as the activity is sustained.

Disorders that fall under this category are – Shin splints, Carpal/Tarsal Tunnel Syndromes, Golfer’s/Tennis elbow and even non-specific disorders popularly referred to as Blackberry thumb, Ipod finger, gamer’s thumb, trigger finger.

Nerve Conduction Velocity tests, X-rays and MRIs are some of the imaging techniques used to provide a confirmatory diagnosis.

Management of these disorders is customized to the individual patient. Treatment most often consists of a detailed assessment followed by a combination of modalities and an individualized exercise program.

Generalised exercise has been shown to decrease the risk of developing RSI.