Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) in Singapore

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), also known as repetitive stress injuries, are a group of musculoskeletal conditions caused by repeated motions, overuse, or prolonged and forceful exertion of a particular body part. RSIs commonly affect the upper extremities, including the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, and neck, but they can also occur in other parts of the body. In Singapore, upper limb and hand RSIs are often managed by occupational therapists who specialise in hand therapy. Examples of RSI are:

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- Trigger finger / thumb

- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

- De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

- Tennis / Golfers' Elbow

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Hand therapy is an essential component of rehabilitation for repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). It focuses on improving the function and reducing pain in the hand, wrist, and forearm. Hand therapists, often occupational therapists with specialized training in upper extremity rehabilitation, employ various techniques and interventions to address RSIs. Here are some common approaches used in hand therapy for RSIs:

1. Education and Ergonomic Assessment: Hand therapists educate patients about the causes and risk factors of RSIs and provide guidance on ergonomic modifications to prevent further injury. This may include recommendations on proper posture, workstation setup, and appropriate use of tools and equipment.

2. Therapeutic Exercises: Hand therapists prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the muscles, improve flexibility, and work on range of motion. These exercises may include stretching, resistance training, and coordination activities to address specific areas affected by the RSI. Our hand therapists at CARe are also trained in neural mobilisation, gentle nerve gliding exercises used to support nerve movement.

3. Splinting: Custom splints or orthoses are often used in hand therapy to provide support and rest for affected joints. Splints can help ease pain and protect injured structures during daily activities or rest. E.g. An Oval8 splint can be used for trigger finger, while a long thumb spica splint can be used for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis.

4. Manual Therapy Techniques: Hand therapists use manual techniques such as soft tissue mobilisation, joint mobilisation, and massage to ease pain and stiffness. These techniques are used to ease muscle tension and stiffness and to help movement.

5. Activity Modification: Hand therapists work with patients to modify their daily activities and work tasks to minimize strain on the affected hand and prevent further aggravation of the RSI. This may involve adjusting work techniques, implementing rest breaks, and incorporating adaptive devices or tools.

6. Pain Management: Hand therapists employ various physical modalities, such as heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound to help ease pain.

7. Patient Education and Self-Management: Hand therapists educate patients about self-care techniques, including proper posture, body mechanics, and exercises to continue at home. They also provide guidance on activity pacing, stress management, and pain management strategies for long-term self-management of RSIs.

Hand therapy should be tailored to your needs and guided by a qualified hand therapist or healthcare professional. At CARe we can assess your RSI, agree a plan built around your work and daily tasks, and review progress with you as you go.

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Early signs of repetitive strain injury in the hand and wrist

RSI often builds gradually. Common signs are an ache, burning or tightness in the hand, wrist or forearm that comes on with repeated tasks and eases with rest; tingling or numbness; stiffness in the fingers, especially in the morning; a weaker grip; and clumsiness with fine tasks such as buttoning or typing.

 

What can contribute to RSI

Repeating the same movement for long periods, a forceful or sustained grip, an awkward wrist or arm position, and long stretches of typing, phone use or tool use without a break can all add up. Workstation setup and task pacing matter, so our ergonomics guidance is a useful companion to therapy.

 

When RSI symptoms need medical attention

Call 995 immediately for sudden severe weakness or loss of feeling in an arm, a drooping face or slurred speech, chest pain, or if you feel faint, confused or short of breath.

 

See a doctor the same day for a hot, red, swollen or very painful joint, symptoms that follow a fall or accident, a hand or finger that looks out of shape or cannot move, or numbness that is spreading or getting worse quickly. Do not wait for a therapy appointment.

 

Frequently asked questions

What is repetitive strain injury (RSI)?

RSI is a group of conditions of the muscles, tendons and nerves caused or aggravated by repeated movement, sustained force or awkward positions. In the hand, wrist and elbow it includes trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's tenosynovitis and tennis or golfer's elbow.

 

Is RSI the same as carpal tunnel syndrome?

No. RSI is the wider label. Carpal tunnel syndrome, where a nerve is squeezed at the wrist, is one condition that can be linked to repetitive loading. Your hand therapist will assess which structures are involved.

 

Do I have to stop typing or working?

Not necessarily. Your hand therapist can look at how you do your tasks and suggest changes to breaks, workstation setup, tools and grip, and may fit a splint for specific activities or for night.

 

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a hand therapist?

You can book an assessment with CARe directly. If a doctor has already seen you, bring their letter and any test results.

 

Where can I see a hand therapist for RSI in Singapore?

Our hand therapy team sees patients at CARe @ Camden (Camden Medical Centre, 1 Orchard Boulevard, #11-05, Singapore 248649) and CARe @ Parkway (Parkway Centre, 1 Marine Parade Central, #07-07, Singapore 449408). Call or WhatsApp +65 8040 6409.

 

Book an RSI assessment

To book a hand therapy assessment, call or WhatsApp +65 8040 6409 or use our contact page. Read more about hand therapy in Singapore, or see our guides to carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and arthritis of the hand.