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Repetitive Use Injury Therapy
What is a Repetitive Use Injury
Repetitive use injuries are tissue injuries (repetitive
micro trauma) that occur as a result of repeated
motions overloading a tissue’s ability to repair itself.
All of these disorders are made worse by any repetitive
activity, occupational or recreational. The most
common types of repetitive use injuries are injuries to
tendons (tendinitis) and bursae (bursitis).
Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon. Common
sites of tendinitis include the shoulder, the biceps, and
the elbow.
Retrieved from galleryhip.com
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa sac. Common areas
where bursitis can occur include the elbow, knee, and
hip.
Causes of the injury
Repetitive Use Injury develop because of microscopic tears in the tissue. When the body is
unable to repair the tears in the tissue as fast as they are being made, inflammation occurs,
leading to the sensation of pain. Causes include the following: repetitive activity, trauma,
muscle imbalance, muscle weakness, inadequate nutrition, postural dysfunction, faulty
technique or posture, tight fascia, and systemic disease (rheumatoid arthritis, gout).
Symptoms of the injury
The most common symptom in tendinitis is pain and
tenderness at the site involved. Tendinitis is made worse by
active motion of the inflamed tendon. The skin overlying the
inflamed tendon may be red and warm to the touch. Reduced
function due to person’s inflexibility, with short, tight fascia
and muscles. Increased muscle tightness and progressive,
increasing stiffness. Weakness in overused muscles. In the
chronic stage there might be fibrosis and adhesions present.
Common symptoms of bursitis include deep and burning
pain at rest or on activity. Decreased range of motion over
affected area. Redness, swelling, and a crunchy feeling when
the joint is moved may also be found. Tendinitis may be
present.
Retrieved from jessicasondgeroth.tripod.com
Massage Therapy Treatment
First off and very important: keep moving without pain. You don’t want to reinjure the
tissue and have to stop the activity that caused it but at the same note you like to keep
using the muscles in order to keep muscle strength and keep blood- and lymph
circulation going.
Treatment goals:
 Reduce inflammation and swelling with hydro therapy and Lymphatic drainage
techniques
 Reduce scar tissue by the guha method using the heskiers tool.
 Release muscle tension, trigger points, and tight fascia with Swedish massage, active
muscle release techniques, and (PNF) stretch techniques
 Increase circulation to the hypovascular tissue with hydro therapy and Swedish massage
 Lengthen the short muscles and strengthen the weak muscles with stretches,
strengthening, and ROM exercises
The above will reduce the pain and regain the use of the muscle.
Selfcare given by your therapist
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In acute stages ice. In chronic stage contrast hydrotherapy with ice after activity.
Stretch the shorten muscles. Very gentle stretch and don’t hold the stretch for 30
seconds but only for 2 seconds to avoid tearing the tendon again. 1 set of 20.
Range of motion exercises to regain flexibility and increase circulation
Strengthening exercises for weak muscles
References
Information retrieved at September 20, 2014 from
http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/98/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/repetitive_motion_injuries/article_em.htm