A List of RSI Prevention Tips
November 9th, 2008 | Published in RSI Tips | 8 Comments
Recently, kal from MyBodyZone wrote an article entitled “14 Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Prevention Tips”. Here’s the list:
- Take periodic breaks
- Take the time to compose your thoughts before working, to avoid unnecessary typing
- Optimize your workstation
- Watch your posture
- Use proper typing technique
- Pace yourself
- Perform stretching exercises
- Stretch frequently while working
- If it hurts, stop!
- Limit mouse usage
- Don’t strain for hard-to-reach key combinations
- Use two hand for keyboard combinations
- Watch out for writer’s cramp when using a pen
- Rest your elbows and wrists when not typing
It’s a good list. The tips, while familiar, are worth being reminded of. Be sure to read the full article, as kal goes into more detail for most of the tips.
I’d add two tips to the list: Use break-reminder software. Two, don’t ignore the program when it prompts you to take a break! (This is something I have problems with.)
Do you have any additional tips for RSI prevention?
November 9th, 2008 at 2:51 pm (#)
Hi, I really think you should add as #1 to go and see a doctor…
I would also like to add a warning about stretching since I think that to much stretching made my problems worse. Now I do more strengthening exercises and that seems better (for me).
//Ola
November 9th, 2008 at 7:36 pm (#)
>Two, don’t ignore the program when it prompts you to take a >break! (This is something I have problems with.)
One of the settings on Workrave is the ability to cancel breaks or not. When the cancel button was there I always cancelled. Works much better when you haven’t got the option to cancel.
J.
November 12th, 2008 at 9:31 am (#)
Thanks for the Workrave tip, John. I’d forgotten that was an option. I’m trying that for now.
If only it didn’t bug you at the most inopportune time!
January 12th, 2009 at 2:08 am (#)
Just to let you know that I have added a new yoga video that demonstrates some techniques to prevent yoga practice from harming the wrists and in fact should help make the wrists more open.
http://www.mybodyzone.com/2009/01/11/yoga-video-rsi-and-wrist-rehabilitation/
April 22nd, 2009 at 12:32 pm (#)
10 is not accepted by teachers
June 10th, 2009 at 9:50 pm (#)
Here’re a few more ideas:
Strengthen your back and the back of your neck. This will allow you to sit and stand upright and hold your shoulders back and your head over your body (rather than letting it move in front of your body where it causes stress & symptoms.)
Lift your chest.
Look down with your eyes, rather than your head.
Keep your elbow close to your waist and your wrist straight.
Make corrections often. It takes a while for new positions and movements to become habit.
Do stretch frequently in the opposite direction of the one you are usually in. And, yes, it is possible to ‘over-stretch’, especially hands.
Listen to your body. Pay attention to what it’s telling you. When do your symptoms start? What are you doing? How could you do it differently? Sometimes you have to be creative.
July 30th, 2009 at 7:42 am (#)
I have published an article with tips and guidelines on how I have succesfully battled RSI myself. Read it for both relief and prevention.
November 1st, 2009 at 1:21 am (#)
Do a chin tuck and keep your shoulders back.
Here’s an explanation: http://www.neckexercises.net/neck-exercises/neck-exercises-sitting-chin-tucks-explained.
Good tips otherwise!