RSI solutions compared

How can you select the best solution for RSI (repetitive strain injury)?

RSI strategies vary. For instance, ergonomics aims to reduce stress while exercise aims to build up health and resistance. Some methods focus more on rehabilitating injuries, e.g. physiotherapy, while others focus more on prevention of injury, e.g. stretch-break software. Each solution makes a valuable contribution and the following chart helps to put them in perspective.

RSI strategies compared

Personal, targeted exercises strengthen resistance to stress

There are very good reasons for getting the body into a healthy state so that it is less affected by tough working environments like intensive or prolonged computer work. Good health means strength, resilience and flexibility which together are an excellent buffer against injury. Prolonged work with keyboard, mouse and monitor can cause a variety of different problems throughout the upper body. As the chart shows, conditioning the body against these is done most effectively with a program of personal, targeted exercises.

More on how targeted exercise is the best RSI solution to improve health

 

Personal, targeted exercise rehabilitates RSI precursor conditions

Targeted exercise is also particularly effective at rehabilitating RSI precursor conditions. These are the beginning conditions of RSI, for instance, tight muscles or joint inflexibility, that can build up over time until a more serious problem emerges. Dealing with these as they emerge is a very important part of guarding against RSI.

More on RSI precursors conations and targeted exercises

 

Ergonomics reduces stress on the body

A popular alternative strategy to exercising is to use ergonomically designed equipment and a good workplace setup to reduce stress. While not a substitute for health-promoting strategies, ergonomics has an important contribution in reducing risk. Use the PEER system described in this section to reduce muscle stress and increase concentration and comfort while working.

Read about how to set up a workplace to reduce stress with the PEER system

 

Combining strategies gives the best protection

As the chart shows, using a good ergonomic setup to reduce stress and a good specific exercise program to increase health and resistance provides the best protection against injury and musculoskeletal illness for computer workers.

More on how exercise and ergonomics are complimentary

 

Desk Doctor makes specific exercises available at the desk

Desk Doctor was created to make the 'specific exercise' solution readily available to computer users. It has the tools built-in for users to take an assessment at the desk and get a tailor-made program of specific exercises.

More on how Desk Doctor works