Why Do I Have Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) — And How Can The Pain Relief Clinic Help?

Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are common in Singapore, especially among office workers, manual workers, healthcare staff, drivers, students, and people who perform repetitive tasks daily. RSI often affects the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, lower back, or hips, and may start as mild discomfort before gradually becoming persistent pain or stiffness.

Many patients feel frustrated because RSI pain can creep in slowly, worsen with continued activity, and persist despite rest, massage, or occasional treatment. Understanding why RSI develops and why it lingers is key to managing it effectively.

Why Repetitive Strain Injuries Are So Common

RSI typically develops due to:

  • Repeated movements without adequate recovery
  • Prolonged static postures (e.g. desk work, driving)
  • Poor ergonomics or workstation setup
  • Muscle imbalance or weakness
  • Inadequate variation in movement
  • Previous injury that altered movement patterns

Over time, tissues become overloaded beyond their ability to recover.

Why RSI Often Persists or Keeps Returning

RSI tends to persist when:

  • Pain is treated without addressing the underlying cause
  • Work or activity demands remain unchanged
  • Rehabilitation focuses only on symptom relief
  • Movement patterns are not corrected
  • Imaging is delayed despite ongoing symptoms

Without targeted intervention, RSI may become a recurring or chronic issue.

How The Pain Relief Clinic Approaches RSI Differently

At The Pain Relief Clinic, repetitive strain injuries are managed through medical assessment, diagnostic clarity, and coordinated care, rather than simply advising rest or task avoidance.

Doctor-Led Medical Consultation

Assessment focuses on:

  • The nature of repetitive activities involved
  • Location, duration, and pattern of pain
  • Daily work and lifestyle demands
  • Posture and movement habits
  • Previous treatments and response

This helps determine whether pain is primarily muscular, tendon-related, joint-related, or due to cumulative overload.

Imaging When Clinically Indicated

When RSI symptoms persist, worsen, or are unclear, imaging such as X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI may be arranged to:

  • Identify tendon, joint, or soft-tissue involvement
  • Exclude structural or nerve-related conditions
  • Guide more precise treatment decisions

Imaging is used selectively and purposefully, not routinely.

Integrated Treatment Options (Used Selectively)

RSI often improves with a combination of approaches, tailored to individual findings.

In-House AHPC-Licensed Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is central to RSI management.
In-house physiotherapists work closely with doctors to:

  • Address muscle imbalance and weakness
  • Improve posture and movement efficiency
  • Build tolerance to repetitive tasks
  • Reduce recurrence through targeted exercises

Non-Invasive Medical Technology (Supportive Care)

For selected cases, non-invasive medical technology may be used to support recovery when pain limits rehabilitation.

Examples may include:

  • Shockwave therapy, used to support recovery in chronic tendon or soft-tissue overload associated with RSI
  • Other non-invasive modalities selected based on clinical findings

These are used as adjuncts, not replacements for rehabilitation or activity modification.

Medications (With Clear Limits)

Oral or topical medications may be used during flare-ups. Their role is clearly explained:

  • Helpful for symptom relief
  • Not corrective for repetitive overload
  • Not intended for long-term dependence

Joint Mobilisation, Ergonomic Advice, and Movement Support

When appropriate:

  • Joint mobilisation may improve movement efficiency
  • Ergonomic guidance reduces strain during repetitive tasks
  • Activity modification supports sustainable recovery

Nutritional and Lifestyle Support

Where relevant:

  • Nutritional correction supports tissue recovery
  • Load management and movement variation reduce repeated stress

Insurance and Medisave Considerations

Where applicable:

  • Medical documentation can be provided to support insurance claims
  • Some treatments may be claimable under personal accident insurance, company insurance, or Integrated Shield Plans, subject to policy terms
  • Medisave may apply for selected chronic conditions under existing schemes

Who This Approach Is Especially Suitable For

This integrated approach may be helpful if you:

  • Have pain related to repetitive work or activities
  • Experience symptoms that worsen during the workday
  • Have tried rest or massage without lasting relief
  • Are concerned about recurring or chronic strain
  • Are seeking clearer diagnosis or structured management

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RSI just a work-related problem?

RSI can occur at work or during daily activities, hobbies, or exercise involving repetition.

Do I need imaging for RSI?

Not always. Imaging is considered when symptoms persist, worsen, or do not respond as expected.

Can shockwave therapy fix RSI?

Shockwave therapy may support recovery in selected cases but does not replace rehabilitation or activity changes.

Can RSI improve without changing my job?

Many people improve with proper assessment, targeted therapy, and practical activity modification.

Ask Dr Tan A Question About Your Problem