Repetitive strain advice

[ArmIssue]

I've had an issue with repetitive strain in my elbow and wrist for over a year now. I know it's caused by my job, which I'm doing for years, and which I really enjoy - I guess it's just taking its toll now. I've attended a physio for a few sessions, where I've had shockwave therapy and given exercises to do, which I've been doing, and seems to help for a little while, but here I am in agony now after struggling through work last few weeks.

I didn't visit GP about it, just went straight to physio. I guess it's not going to disappear when I continue to do the job that's causing it.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Hi OP. Sympathies - it's hard to bear, particularly when it relates to a job you love. I've suffered with it for years and the one thing that's helped is movement - walking / swimming / dancing etc - whatever floats your boat.

Also helpful is what one Australian blogger called 'switcheroo' ie continually changing chairs, positions, types of mouse etc. The pain and inflammation comes from doing small, repetitive movements. So every time I changed something it would help a bit and I'd think 'ah THIS is the answer'. But, as the blogger pointed out, it's just the fact of shifting positions that's helpful.

Finally , keeping neck tension at bay as far as possible was also important for me.

Good luck with it !

Yes, my neck wouldn't be great at times either.

Is your job desk based? Or are you physically active? Do you have an HR department who can help you look at causes and how to overcome these to help ease your symptoms a bit.

Sounds miserable, being in pain but doing a job you enjoy.

I was getting wrist pain in my right wrist (desk/computer based work) so I swapped the mouse and learnt to use it left handed. All good now, no pain in either wrist. Is this possible?

Yes, I'm desk based and have everything set up correctly.

I'm actually right-handed but it's my left arm that is causing the problem

"Yes, I'm desk based and have everything set up correctly."

Correctly for who?

I'm thinking not correctly for you because you're suffering. Can you speak to your employer? They might be able to source something to help. Are they aware of your problem?