Repetitive strain injury solutions compared

It's much better to be healthy that merely pain-free. When the body is in excellent health it has reserves of strength and endurance, and is robust and flexible enough to resist injury. In this condition the risk of encountering repetitive strain injury (RSI) through computer work is at its lowest. A normal working life at the computer is now recognized to be very stressful to the body. Maintaining a state of excellent health at work is therefore the most sensible strategy.

The chart shows in which state of bodily health the most commonly used solutions to prevent or rehabilitate RSI are effective. As the bars on the chart show, not all measures work at all states of good or bad health. Only specific exercises are able to promote health much beyond a 'neutral' state. In addition some are more effective at protecting or rehabilitating the body when health is poor.

Ergonomics

Using ergonomically designed products and having an ergonomic workplace setup reduces stress and consequently lowers the risk of developing problems. These solutions are an important part of any program to reduce risk of injury, though good ergonomics alone does not help develop more strength or robustness.

General exercises

General exercises include those standard exercise programs not resulting from an assessment of a person's musculoskeletal health. Consequently a solution based on general exercises can only roughly address RSI problems. They do not focus on the root causes of conditions. They may help, but they could also hinder by aggravating existing injuries. General exercises should be used with caution especially when there is a history of musculoskeletal problems.

Stretch-break software

The forced rest breaks in stretch-break software allow the muscles an opportunity to recuperate from the physical demands of typing and mousing. Rest is effective in slowing the development of a condition. Many stretch-break software programs have general exercises in addition. These should have a similar effectiveness to the general exercise solution.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is very effective at rehabilitating parts of the body in poor health. When physiotherapy is preceded by an assessment, it will be much more effective extending the bar to the left in the chart. When physiotherapy incorporates specific exercises it can effectively promote health, especially so if these are carried out regularly. This extends the bar in the chart to the right.

Targeted exercises

A personal, targeted exercise plan can only be created after a person has completed an assessment of their musculoskeletal condition. The assessment, which typically will include orthopedic, and 'range of motion tests', will bring to light any tight muscles, weak muscles, tendon irritations, etc. that may be present. Personal, targeted exercises can then be matched to the individual’s needs. This approach is highly effective over a wide range of health condition.

Desk Doctor

Desk Doctor was created to make the 'targeted exercise' solution readily available to every computer user. It has a thorough ‘Assessment module’ based on specialized medical tests. Each user can perform the assessment at their desk and from the results Desk Doctor will apply its built-in clinical reasoning to generate an optimum treatment plan of specific exercises. Users are then prompted to do exercises from their own video-guided program.

The high quality of the Assessment and the exercise treatment plan allow Desk Doctor to detect and rehabilitate problems faster and more effectively than most other approaches.

Because Desk Doctor is enjoyable to use and the exercises are guided and instantly accessible, it is easy to maintain a continuous program of health promotion. This extends the bar on the chart very far to the right, into the region of excellent health.