Our previous blog explored the topic of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and Why Prevention Matters, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to avoid injury. Last week we also offered a simple Guide to Workstation Ergonomics, in collaboration with Physiotherapist Ally Reynolds, with practical tips to optimize your setup.
But what happens when RSI progresses beyond the point of prevention?
Enter Exercise Physiology… The heart of what we do in occupational rehabilitation.
Beyond simply addressing the symptoms of pain, our focus is on restoring function, mobility, and strength to help workers return to work with confidence. Through tailored assessments and interventions, we target the underlying factors contributing to RSI.
Assessing the Bigger Picture
Our approach always begins with individualised assessments to identify the work-related movements and postures that contributed to the development of RSI for that individual. We evaluate a worker’s postural tolerances (i.e. their ability to sustain specific positions for an extended period of time) – whether seated, standing, or on all fours – we make sure to understand what is required in their particular workplace. This may also include assessing their ability to complete lifting and carrying movements in the workplace with safe technique.
Through this process, we may identify muscle imbalances that are putting their joints into sub-optimal positions and affecting their ability to perform workplace tasks effectively.
- For example, many office-based workers develop what has been coined ‘upper cross syndrome’ – a postural imbalance characterized by muscle tightness in the chest, posterior neck and shoulders, and weakness in the upper back and anterior neck muscles. This leads to rounded shoulders, a forward head position, and symptoms of neck pain, headaches, and reduced shoulder mobility.
A detailed assessment allows us to develop targeted strategies that address the root causes of RSI, rather than just treating the symptoms.
Targeted Rehabilitation Programs
Once we know what we are dealing with, the rest falls into place. As experts in exercise prescription, our programs are centered around building the physical capacity required for that individuals specific work environment. Our programs may be focused on:
- Building muscle endurance for extended postures – Strengthening key stabilising muscles to improve tolerance to sustained positions,
- Correcting muscle imbalances – Stretching tight areas and strengthening weak muscle groups,
- Optimising movement patterns – Correcting any movement patterns that may be increasing strain during job-specific tasks,
- Building strength – For any repetitive tasks required in their day-to-day role,
Equally as important is education – teaching the individual the value of strategies such as breaking up sedentary time with movement (every 30-60 minutes), pacing for physical tasks, and task rotation.
Bridging the Gap: Communication with Employers
A successful return-to-work plan goes beyond rehabilitation—it requires collaboration. Our Exercise Physiologists not only work with employees, but will also engage directly with Rehab Providers and Employers to ensure the best strategies are integrated into return-to-work plans. Encouraging workplaces to allow for strategies such as structured movement breaks and variation of tasks, helps prevent symptom recurrence and reduces overall strain. This ensures that employees can gradually reintroduce the demands of their role without re-aggravating their injury.
RSI Recovery is Possible
While prevention is always the best approach, RSI doesn’t have to be a career-limiting condition. With the right rehabilitation strategy, workers can regain function, return to their roles, and continue contributing—safely and sustainably.
Author: Tessa Nielsen / Yolanda van Vugt