How to Live With Repetitive Strain Injury

So you've been diagnosed with Repetitive Stress Injury, or RSI. Now what? Jump off a bridge? No, that would only hurt your wrists even more. Your life isn't over, you just need to make a few adjustments to your daily routine in order to continue living a happy and healthy life.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Repetitive Strain Injury
• Dedication

1. Stretch in order to circulate your blood. Consider joining a yoga class.
2. Take breaks. You can even buy software that will freeze your computer screen and remind you to pause every now and then.
3. Use ice to reduce inflammation and pain, but only use it for a minute or less each time.
4. Exercise. Most people who suffer from RSI need to strengthen their shoulders and back while actually avoiding too much exercise with your arms.
5. Relax. Step away from the computer every now and then. Read a book or take a walk to escape for a moment.
6. Get a massage. Even if you can't afford regular professional massages, ask someone close to you to give you a massage, or massage yourself. Experiment with massage gadgets to find one that you feel comfortable with.
7. Be patient. Recovery doesn't happen overnight. You'll have good days and bad days.
8. Keep a log. Keep track of your symptoms, how frequent they are, what you did to combat them and what might have caused them.