1. RSI www.charleshowes.com

2. What is RSI? 4 Repetitive Strain Injuries occur from repeated physical movements doing damage to tendons, nerves, muscles, and other soft body tissues. 4 Another name for the condition is Cumulative Trauma Disorder.

3. Related Conditions to RSI 4 Tendinitis 4 Bursitis 4 Tenosynovitis 4 DeQuervains Syndrome 4 Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

4. What are the Symptoms? 4 Tightness, discomfort, stiffness, or pain in the hands, wrists, fingers, forearms, or elbows. 4 Tingling, coldness, or numbness in the hands. 4 Clumsiness or loss of strength and coordination in the hands. 4 Pain that wakes you up at night. 4 Feeling a need to massage your hands, wrists, and arms.

5. How Can It Be Prevented? 4 Ensure that the operator has a comfortable sitting position sufficiently flexible to reach, use, and observe the display screen, keyboard, and document. 4 Provide posture support for the back, arms, legs, and feet, and adjustable display screens and keyboards. 4 Ensure that the Video Display Terminals (VDT) tables or desk are vertically adjustable to allow for operator adjustment of the screen and keyboard. 4 Ensure proper chair height and support to the lower region of the back. 4 Ensure that document holders are used to allow the operator to position and view material without straining the eyes or neck, shoulder, and back muscles.

6. Some Specifics 4 Dont rest the wrist on anything while typing.

7. Tilt The Back Edge Of the Keyboard Down 4 Recent research suggest that all of this may be easier to do if you tilt the back edge of your keyboard down, away from you.

8. Some Other Tricks 4 Dont pound on the keys. 4 Use two hands to perform double-key operations like Ctrl-C or Alt-F. 4 Take lots of breaks to stretch and relax. 4 Hold the mouse lightly. 4 Keep your arms & hands warm 4 Eliminate unnecessary computer usage.

9. Other Stuff 4 Evaluate other activities 4 Dont tuck the telephone between your shoulder and ear. 4 Pay attention to your body. 4 Remember that children are at risk too.

10. What If You Have Symptoms of RSI? 4 See a doctor right away. 4 Early diagnosis is critical to limiting damage. 4 Systemic disorders such as diabetes can mimic or exacerbate RSI.

11. There Are No Quick Fixes