RSI comes from repetitive movements and bad posture when performing tasks both in daily life as well as within your work environment. The main areas that RSI effect are the hands, neck, shoulders, arms, forearms, upper back, elbows, lower back and legs. Damage is caused to the muscles and tendons which can also damage the nerves that run through them. The damage to the nerves is what causes the tingling sensation that so many suffers experience. Nerves can heal themselves but it is a slow process. This is one of the reasons why it is vital to seek treatment when you experience the first signs of a repetitive stress injury.

RSI is not an actual disease but rather a loose grouping of many interrelated diseases. Stress is also a major factor as it tightens muscles and restricts blood flow which slows the healing process. What is actually happening is that when muscles are used it causes tiny tears in the muscle tissue. If the body is not given enough time than these tears do not get a chance to heal properly. When you continue the stressing activity it causes more damage, inflammation, scar tissue and pain. If action is not taken this cycle gets progressively worse.

Some of the conditions that are common with RSI sufferers include:

•        Carpal tunnel syndrome
•        Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
•        Intersection syndrome
•        Stenosing tenosynovitis
•        Tendonitis
•        Trigger finger/thumb
  
•        Tennis/golfers elbow
  

It is often the case that someone with RSI to be suffering from more than of these conditions at any one time. That is why it is best to treat RSI as a single general disorder. Treating all of the major areas effected by RSI can also help to ensure better and longer lasting results.

Some of the factors that can lead to a repetitive stress injury are:-

• Working with loads (e.g. pulling, pushing, lifting)
• Doing something with your arms and/or hands repeatedly for too long
• Forceful hand applications (e.g. twisting, gripping)
• Direct pressure on, or a blow to, the body
• Body vibrations (e.g. from using power tools)
• Poor posture and poor ergonomics
• Excessive workload
• Prolonged periods of work without adequate breaks
• Repetitive and monotonous work
• Lack of training in safe work practices
  
• Long work hours
• Lack of variety in the type of work you do
• Fatigue
• Cold work environments
• Mental stress
  

Most repetitive stress injuries can be contributed to a specific task. Once the injury has occurred it is also common for other actions that would not have normally caused a problem on their own now to cause more trauma to the injured area due to its weakened status.