Wrist flexor strain

Overuse injuries of the wrist and forearm not only subject the tendons of the forearm to overload but can also result in repetitive strain to the muscles which are responsible for bending/flexing the wrist and fingers.

This type of injury is often grouped together with other diagnoses such as carpal tunnel syndrome and lateral epichondylitis to describe Repetitive strain Injuries or Cummulative trauma disorders that frequent the workplace. These work-place related disorders of the upper extremity account for 60% of all occupational illnesses in the United States  .The cummulative trauma arises from highly repetitive fine hand movements which take place during activities such as typing, mouse usage etc. Longterm, this repetitive activity strains the muscles and tendons of the forearms, wrists, and fingers, causing microscopic tears.

As a result of tearing, the muscles bleed and subsequently, the muscles will become adaptively shortened and contracted. Overtime, further injury secondary to overuse will result in additional scarring and inflammation which in turn may have a knock on affect to the associated tendons and neighbouring nerve supply which may result in a gradual reduction in sensitivity in the hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome) and pain.

Treatment for Wrist flexor strain or RSI

One of the key elements in treating wrist and finger flexor strain is deciphering what activities have taken place to initiate symptoms in the first place. Often the patient has a history of prolonged computer use which is associated with a faulty technique or poor ergonomics which has perpetuated this injury. Therefore often improvements can be made in the patients typing technique as well as workstation ergonomics to relieve some of the tension on the forearm musculature.

Another factor which needs to be considered is the patients’ posture. Improving your posture at your desk will help reduce further overload and strain. For additional information regarding correct workstation setup, please visit our posture page

At our City of London based chiropractic clinic, our hands on treatment will focus on improving the flexibility in the forearm through manual therapies, soft tissue work and ultrasound. Postural education and exercise prescription will also be a key element in our treatment programme.

Evidence to support this type of treatment can be found below:

• Konijnenberg HS, de Wilde NS, Gerritsen AA, van Tulder MW, de Vet HC. Conservative treatment for repetitive strain injury. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2001 (Oct); 27(5): 299-310.

If you would like any further advice regarding wrist/finger flexor strain, please  contact us at the EC2 clinic .

In addition, our chiropractors are also well qualified to advise on ergonomics and often visit workplaces to conduct display screen equipment (DSE) assessments.

1Yassi 1997 Repetitive Strain Injuries Lancet 349: 943-7