What are the treatment options for repetitive strain injury?

Repetitive strain injury develops when repeated tasks, forceful gripping, awkward posture or prolonged use overload muscles, tendons or nerves. Treatment aims to reduce the aggravating load while keeping the area moving safely. A clinician may assess your work, sport, devices, sleep position and the exact pattern of pain, tingling, weakness or stiffness.

Physiotherapy can address movement habits, flexibility, strength and nerve sensitivity. Exercise therapy usually progresses from comfortable mobility to controlled strengthening, so the tissues gradually tolerate useful activity again. A workplace ergonomic assessment can identify changes to desk height, keyboard or tool position, grip, breaks and task rotation.

Temporarily reduce the task that reliably provokes symptoms, but avoid complete rest unless a clinician advises it. Break repetitive work into shorter periods, vary hand positions, use both sides when appropriate and keep frequently used objects within easy reach. Follow a personalised programme from [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) or [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/).

If symptoms are linked to your job or workstation, [Workplace Ergonomic Assessment](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/workplace-ergonomic-assessment/) may turn broad advice into specific adjustments. Stop an exercise that causes sharp pain, spreading tingling or loss of strength and ask for reassessment.

Arrange an assessment if symptoms persist despite reducing the trigger, keep returning, disturb sleep or interfere with work, driving or daily tasks. Seek prompt medical care for sudden weakness, marked loss of sensation, a cold or discoloured hand, severe swelling after injury, or symptoms that rapidly worsen.

Ask which tissue or nerve may be involved, which activities should be modified, how much discomfort is acceptable during exercise, and when work duties can be increased. Also ask whether your workstation or technique needs review and what changes would require an earlier follow-up.