THE PROBLEM

• 1/5 to 1/4 of computer users will develop symptoms related to their use of a computer. Last year one third of a million sufferers of RSI took 10 million days off work at a cost of £2 billion to their employers.
• Computer use in jobs is increasing, and by the year 2006 it is estimated that 3/4 of all jobs will include computer use.
• Repetitive strain injuries (along with back strain) are the second most common work related disease in Britain.
• The incidence of RSI reported in the UK has increased by
• 30% in the last few years.
• Soft tissue strains resulting from computer use develop slowly over time, due to:

• Prolonged repetitive awkward movements.
• Maintenance of poor posture and positioning.
• Ill-fitting furniture.
• Poorly organised workstation.
• Pressured workload.

REPETITIVE MOVEMENTS

Repeatedly tapping keys, thousands of times per day strains the muscles and tendons of the forearms, wrists and fingers. This can cause microscopic tears in the muscle fibres. The injured muscles try to heal, and they contract to protect the damaged tissue. The tendon sheaths chafe and rub, loosing their lubrication. These damaged areas, if not allowed to rest and repair, will become inflamed and painful – the aches that you feel after a hard days work.

POSTURE AND POSITIONING

Most computer work is completed seated, with static positioning of most of the upper body – but with the arms and hands overworking. Prolonged sustained static contraction of the large postural muscle stresses and strains them, and exhausts them.