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    2. Specialties
    3. Orthopaedics
    4. Repetitive Strain Injury

    Repetitive Strain Injury

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London, our orthopaedic specialists assess and treat pain and other symptoms linked to repetitive movement or overuse.

    If you have ongoing discomfort in your muscles, tendons or joints, we’ll work with you to identify the cause. Your specialist will then recommend a treatment plan based on your symptoms, activities and daily needs.

    Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a general term for pain and other symptoms that may develop after repeated movements or prolonged physical strain. It can affect muscles, tendons, and nerves.

    Early assessment can help you manage your symptoms, improve movement, and prevent the problem from having a greater effect on your daily life.

    • Repetitive strain injury describes symptoms that may develop when repeated movements or prolonged physical activity place strain on part of the body.

      RSI is not a single medical condition. It may be linked to a specific condition, such as:

      • Tendonitis, which is pain and irritation in a tendon
      • Bursitis, which affects the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints
      • Carpal tunnel syndrome or another condition caused by pressure on a nerve

      Sometimes, a person may have RSI symptoms without a clearly defined condition.

      Symptoms may become more persistent when the activity causing them continues without enough time for recovery. They may also make work, exercise, and everyday tasks more difficult.

    • Symptoms often develop gradually. You may notice that they become worse during or after a repeated activity.

      Symptoms may include:

      • Pain, aching, or throbbing
      • Tenderness
      • Stiffness or reduced movement
      • Tingling, pins and needles, or numbness
      • Weakness or reduced grip strength
      • Swelling
      • Muscle cramps
      • Symptoms that improve when you stop or change the activity

      RSI commonly affects the hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders, and neck. However, symptoms can develop in other parts of the body.

    • RSI symptoms may develop when you repeat the same movement over time or when part of your body does not have enough time to recover between activities.

      Activities and other factors that may contribute include:

      • Repeated hand or arm movements
      • Prolonged keyboard or mouse use
      • Repeated lifting or gripping
      • Using vibrating tools or equipment
      • Poor posture while working or using a digital device
      • A workstation that does not support comfortable movement
      • A sudden increase in physical activity
      • Too few breaks between repeated tasks

      Repetitive activity does not affect everyone in the same way. Your specialist will consider your work, hobbies, health, and daily activities when assessing what may be contributing to your symptoms.

    • Because RSI can describe several different conditions, diagnosis focuses on finding the cause of your symptoms.

      Your assessment may include:

      • A discussion about your symptoms and when they occur
      • Questions about your work, exercise, hobbies and daily activities
      • An examination of the affected area
      • Tests of your movement, strength and flexibility
      • An assessment of any numbness, tingling or weakness

      When further investigation could help identify the cause, your consultant may recommend:

      • Ultrasound, to assess tendons and surrounding soft tissues
      • MRI, to provide detailed images of muscles, tendons, and ligaments where appropriate
      • X-rays, if another condition affecting the bones or joints is suspected
      • Nerve conduction studies, if nerve compression is thought to be contributing to your symptoms

      The tests you need will depend on your symptoms and examination findings.

    • The treatment of repetitive strain injury depends on the condition causing your symptoms, how long you have had them and how they affect your daily activities.

      Many people improve without surgery. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following approaches.

      Changes to your activities

      You may need to reduce or adapt movements that make your symptoms worse. Complete or prolonged rest is not usually helpful. Your specialist or therapist can advise you on how to remain active and gradually return to your usual activities.

      Ergonomic Advice 

      Changes to your workstation, posture, equipment or working methods may reduce strain. An occupational therapist or physiotherapist can help you identify practical adjustments.

      Pain Relief 

      Your specialist may recommend medicine to manage pain or inflammation when appropriate. The right option will depend on the cause of your symptoms, your general health and any other medicines you take.

      Physiotherapy 

      A physiotherapist may recommend exercises to improve strength, flexibility and movement. Treatment may also include advice about posture, pacing activities and changing movement patterns.

      Occupational Therapy 

      An occupational therapist can look at how your symptoms affect your work and daily activities. They may suggest equipment, changes to your workspace or different ways to complete a task.

      Corticosteroid Injections 

      For some diagnosed conditions, your consultant may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce pain and inflammation. Injections are not suitable for every condition, and your consultant will discuss the expected benefits and possible risks with you.

      Further Treatment 

      If your symptoms continue, your consultant may recommend further tests or discuss other treatment options.

      Although Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London does not provide surgery, we work with appropriate surgical specialists when a procedure is recommended. Your consultant will explain your options and help coordinate the next stage of your care.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, patients benefit from an internationally recognised approach to diagnosis and treatment delivered by experienced consultants across multiple specialties. Our collaborative model of care brings together experts in musculoskeletal medicine, pain medicine, neurology, rehabilitation and diagnostic imaging to ensure every aspect of your condition is carefully evaluated.

      Located in the heart of central London, Mayo Clinic Healthcare combines advanced diagnostic technology with personalised treatment planning, enabling patients from the UK and around the world to access high-quality care in one convenient location.

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Book a private assessment 

    Consider arranging an assessment if pain, stiffness, tingling or weakness is not improving, is becoming worse or is affecting your daily activities.

    Our specialists can assess the cause of your symptoms and discuss the treatment of repetitive strain injury that is right for you.

    Request an appointment or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to speak with our team.

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    4. Repetitive Strain Injury