Repetitive Strain Injuries (also called RSI's) are overuse injuries. Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) is another name used to describe RSI. Overuse injuries occur after doing the same movements over and over again, without giving the body time to recover from the stress of having executed those movements. Most Repetitive Strain Injuries are felt in the upper limb and forearm, as we need to use our arms in order to engage with the world and complete tasks. However, overuse injuries can also be felt in the back and hips, especially when our jobs require repetitive lifting or handling of items in awkward postures, as well as in the knees and feet for those of us who need to work standing up and moving. pidemiological data show that upper‑limb RSIs account for a substantial proportion of work‑related musculoskeletal disorders, with prevalence rates among certain occupational groups reaching up to 64.4% (El Gendy et al., 2021). This makes RSIs one of the most significant contributors to lost productivity and occupational discomfort worldwide.
Repetitive Strain Injuries feel different depending on where they occur in the body. Some RSI pain can be dull, deep below the skin and can persist throughout the day. Other RSI pain can be sharp, almost electric pain, and reproducible only in specific circumstances. This variation in symptoms and presentation is due to the unique nature of everyone's anatomy, as well as the ways in which we interact with the world around us. Because of this, it is always worth having the pain investigated, regardless of how long it has been persisting. National survey data from the United States indicate that 3.2% of adults report a repetitive strain injury within a three‑month period, where the duration, onset and nature of those conditions requires further investigation to assess best approach to treatment (Garnett et al., 2023).
RSIs present differently depending on the tissues involved and the individual experiencing them. Some people describe a dull, deep ache that lingers throughout the day, while others experience sharp, electric sensations that appear only during specific movements. This variability is well‑documented in the literature, where symptom patterns are shown to differ based on anatomical structures, task demands, and personal biomechanics (de Waal et al., 2024). Individual variability is one of the defining challenges in RSI assessment. This means that even similar tasks can produce very different symptoms in different people, reinforcing the importance of early evaluation and tailored management.
Repetitive Strain Injuries are tricky to manage because the discomfort often occurs as a consequence of everyday activity like working, walking, or even attending to personal care during shower and dress. The complexity of RSIs is further reflected in their functional impact. A recent cross‑sectional study of 579 workers found that over 70% reported activity limitations due to repetitive strain symptoms, demonstrating how significantly these conditions interfere with daily function (Sousa dos Santos et al., 2025). Everyday tasks such as typing, lifting, walking, or even showering can aggravate symptoms, making RSIs uniquely disruptive.
Additionally, weakness that comes with RSI pain can only be addressed by strengthening the muscles in the affected area. This isn't easy unless the inflammation and pain have already been managed, which means that some patients need to refrain from using their affected limbs and joints until the discomfort has eased, strength has returned, and the limb is ready to work again. Research also shows that certain professions face disproportionately high risk. For example, physical therapists themselves experience RSI prevalence rates ranging from 14% to 91%, depending on the body region and clinical setting (Vaz et al., 2022).
Management of RSI pain is a process that involves addressing physical, occupational, personal, and lifestyle risk factors to minimise pain and maximise function. The way your discomfort is managed depends on what’s causing it, how it feels and shifts throughout the day, what tends to ease or aggravate it, and how long you’ve been living with it. All of these details are carefully explored during your first assessment, which sets the foundation for reducing pain and helping you feel more comfortable. From there, your treatment plan is designed specifically for your situation, aiming to ease discomfort, restore pain-free movement, and put strategies in place to lower the chance of future flare-ups.
At Atlas Physio, we focus on giving you clear education, structured support, and consistent monitoring of your progress both in the clinic and at home. We make care easy to access by opening seven days a week, offering evening appointments, providing bulk billing for eligible clients, and ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for WorkCover or TAC clients. Get in touch today to take the first step toward feeling better and moving with confidence, supported by care that is practical, dependable, and designed to deliver lasting results.
REFERENCES
Garnett, M. F., Elgaddal, N., & Spencer, M. R. (2023). Repetitive Strain Injuries in Adults in the Past 3 Months: United States, 2021. National health statistics reports, (189), 1–10.
El Gendy, M. H., Abdel‑Aal, N. M., & Attia, M. Y. (2021). Prevalence of repetitive strain injuries in upper extremities among Egyptian school teachers: A cross‑sectional study. Medical Journal of Cairo University, 89(6), 2227–2234.
Sousa dos Santos, M., dos Santos Silva, J., de Paula Dias, W., Silva Nunes, T., Marques Rodrigues, J., Awoniyi, A. M., & Cremonese, C. Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among beach workers. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1701654.
Vaz, F. F., Evangelista, R. A., Bueno, A. D. A., Silva, L. A. D., Nascimento, A. C. M. D., Magalhães, B. D. S., & Silva, M. C. D. (2022). Prevalence and incidence of repetitive strain injury and work-related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists: systematic review protocol. Research, Society and Development, 11(11)
de Waal, A., Killian, A., Gagela, A., Baartzes, J., & de Klerk, S. (2024). Therapeutic approaches for the prevention of upper limb repetitive strain injuries in work‑related computer use: A scoping review. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 35, 234–267