Causes of RSI | Push Doctor

Medically reviewed by:

Dr Dan Bunstone - Medical Officer

Updated: Aug 18, 2021

Next review: Aug 18, 2022

A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is caused by the overuse, or repetitive movement of a muscle or tendon.

This overuse could be caused by your daily activities, by playing a particular sports or by what you do at work.

You don’t have to deal with the problem on your own. Our doctors are here to help. Once they understand what has caused your RSI, they will be able to offer you practical advice and suggest effective treatment and techniques to avoid further complications.

It’s not always clear why an RSI develops in some people, but common causes can include:

Repetitive movement or activities
Not taking enough rest breaks while carrying out a repetitive activity
Having a poor posture, or staying in the same position for a long time
Working in an awkward position
Lifting heavy objects
Using vibrating tools or equipment at work
Not getting enough exercise
Working in the cold
Stress at work - this can mean you’re tensing your muscles without realising

Tennis
Golf
Basketball
Running

This is not a full list. Any sport that means you’re doing the same activity over and over increases your risk of a RSI. Make sure you take regular rest breaks while participating in these kinds of sports, to let your muscles and tendons recover.

Production line work
Office jobs, where you’re sat at a desk for most of the day
Working with power tools
Drivers
Musicians
Dancers
Cleaners
Surgeons
Nurses
Dentists

This is not a full list. Any job that means you’re doing the same activity over and over increases your risk of a RSI. It’s important to take regular short breaks - speak to your employer, as they can help recommend ways to avoid a RSI in your role.

Dr Laurence Knott & Dr Adrian Bonsall. Patient Info, Repetitive Strain Injury, 06/07/2017.
patient.info/health/tendinopathy-and-tenosynovitis-tendinosis/repetitive-strain-injury#nav-3
NHS, Repetitive strain injury (RSI):Diagnosis, 27/01/2016.
nhs.uk/conditions/repetitive-strain-injury-rsi/diagnosis
Marjorie Hect & Dr Alana Biggers. Healthline, Everything You Should Know About Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), 09/03/2017.
healthline.com/health/repetitive-strain-injury
Tim Newman & Dr Gregory Minnis. Medical News Today, Repetitive strain injury (RSI) explained, 19/01/2018.
patient.info/health/impetigo-leaflet#nav-1
Amanda Rabb, Study.com, Basic Nursing Training: Repetitive Strain Injury: Definition & Types, 2018.
study.com/academy/lesson/repetitive-strain-injury-definition-types.html

RSI Causes

Dr Dan Bunstone - Medical Officer

Common causes of a RSI

Sports that may lead to a RSI

Jobs that may lead to RSI