Repetitive Strain – Artists in pain


Repetitive Strain Injury can appear in many shapes and forms. The most common injury is Carpal tunnel syndrome, which effects the wrist, hand and forearm area. Other variations include Tennis elbow, Tendinitis, Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome and even Rubik's Wrist caused by the repetitive use of a rubik's cube for speedcubing!

RSI is brought on when muscles in the hands, arms and upper back are kept very tense for long periods of time because of poor posture or repetitive motions.

Commonly Carpal tunnel syndrome affects guitarists and assembly workers whereas computer users have a different form of the injury.

So how does RSI effect artists?

Personally, I first encountered repetitive strain in my late teens. I started playing the drums and guitar at age 11 and would practise every day quite vigorously. After a while I kept getting an electric shock sensation in my right wrist and forearm when I would hit the crash cymbal. At first it didn’t happen very often. Then I found it affected my guitar playing and also when I carried heavy weights like shopping bags or heavy boxes.

Computing has also played a big part in my life and I must admit my concentration on posture and positioning has been slack to say the least. Unfortunately RSI now affects me when using the mouse which is incredibly frustrating.

What has really alarmed me is that I now get the symptoms when I paint and draw. More so when I paint. The simple action of moving a paintbrush causes my wrist to ache and my right shoulder to go numb, I get a lovely tingling sensation too, and it’s all part of the RSI deal!

What are the symptoms?

- Recurring pain or soreness in neck, shoulders, upper back, wrists or hands.
- Tingling, numbness, coldness or loss of sensation.
- Loss of grip strength, lack of endurance, weakness.
- Muscles in the arms and shoulders feel hard and wiry when palpated.
- Pain or numbness while lying in bed.

RSI can also be caused by stress and tension. We’ve got to stay chilled!

How to combat RSI and how to prevent it…

It is always advisable to seek professional help before self-prescribing anything.

Exercise above anything else is the best way to treat RSI. It’s also a good way to prevent it too. I found a helpful website which has some exercise tips, it is advertising some software but the exercise they’ve previewed are actually very good: [link]

If you have the cash I also advise you find a professional masseuse as they will be able to focus on certain areas (and they’ll know what to do too!).

Useful Links:

Below are a few useful links if you want to find out more about the injury.

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