What to expect from exercise therapy for repetitive strain injury

Repetitive strain injury can affect the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, or another area used repeatedly. Your physiotherapist may assess grip, range of motion, strength, nerve sensitivity, posture, and the work or sport task that triggers symptoms. Treatment can begin with gentle mobility and isometric exercises, then progress to strengthening and task practice. Advice may cover keyboard or tool position, rest breaks, grip force, and alternating activities. A mild response after exercise can be discussed, but increasing tingling, weakness, or pain that interferes with function signals that the load needs changing.

Practise the exercises with the demonstrated alignment and avoid rushing the progressions. Notice which task, duration, grip, or posture brings symptoms on and share that pattern at review. Use recommended pauses or task rotation instead of waiting until symptoms are severe. Do not repeatedly test the painful movement to see whether it has improved. Learn more about [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/).

Seek prompt medical advice for sudden loss of strength, spreading numbness, a pale or cold hand, marked swelling, or an injury with loss of function. Urgent assessment is needed for severe pain with chest symptoms or breathing difficulty. Contact your clinician if symptoms continue to spread, grip becomes unreliable, or the programme repeatedly causes a significant flare.

Which movements are overloading the affected area? How should my workstation, tools, or training be changed? How often should I take movement breaks? What symptoms suggest nerve involvement, and when should strengthening progress?