Conservative therapy treatments for repetitive strain injuries (RSI) can often provide high recovery rates especially for injuries of the upper body.

It has been shown repeatedly that this kind of treatment can bring about rapid, yet long term results Conservative treatment entails a little therapy on the soft tissue, and some stretching and exercising routines. Here are some suggestions which should be tried

-          Stretching Routines. These are used to reduce excessive muscle tension and enable a normal blood flow to the affected muscles. Stretching the arms above the head, and clasping the hands will be beneficial in relieving pain and aches in the upper joints.

-          Vitamin B6 Treatment. For RSI’s which affect the wrist and hand, the injury is usually caused by a muscle imbalance resulting from repetitive action of the muscles. The imbalance occurs between the short and long flexor muscles which control the opening and closing of the hand and has a direct effect on the nerves of the hand and wrist

Vitamin B6 does not treat the dysfunction but heals the damaged nerves and greatly helps restore muscle balance.

-          Hot and Cold Baths. Contrasting baths are often recommended by therapists. Typical treatment of the area is by immersion in hot water for 3 minutes directly followed by immersion in cold water for 1 minute, and repeating three times. Treatment by hot water alone is not recommended.

-          Direct Massage. Massage therapy on the affected area is highly recommended. Any massage of the flexor muscles must always be followed by strengthening exercises to stretch the extensor muscles which are responsible for extending the fingers, wrists and elbows. If such exercises are not carried out the massage will have little effect on healing the repetitive strain injury.

-          Extension Exercises. There are a number of extension exercise devices available which assist in the stretching exercises necessary for the conservative treatment of RSI’s. Care should be taken in selecting such a device since many do not offer the full range of facilities necessary for successful treatment. An RSI therapist will provide advice on the selection of an extension exercise device but it must have the capability of allowing exercising all wrist, hand, and elbow joint movement.

It should also facilitate finger splaying exercises which are equally an essential part of the conservative treatment of repetitive strain injuries affecting these body parts.

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