REPETITIVE MOVEMENT INJURIES

Repetitive motion injuries are probably one of the most prevalent injuries that occur, because they are not limited to one segment of the population. They can be work related, or when gardening, and of course in athletics. At work, if your job requires you to repeat a motion constantly, can place a particular muscle or group of muscles under severe stress. An example is a patient I had, in which that individual told me he works in a stamping factory. He worked all day on a machine that required him to press down on the foot pedal. He started to get severe leg pains and cramps in the leg he had to use. In his case the best thing he could do (other than change his job), was to change using one leg and switch to the other leg often during the workday. Another case comes to mind. The patient worked in a warehouse as an elevator operator. This was one of the older elevators that required the operator to pull on a rope to set the elevator in motion. He always stood in the same position, and pulled the rope with the right hand above the left. After about a year on the job, he started to develop severe pains and spasms of the right shoulder and upper right arm. I treated him for these symptoms and got excellent results, and he was completely symptom free. However, during the course of the treatment I had him change his working habits. He had to turn his body and face the rope from another angle, and he would have to start placing his left hand above the right for approximately one to two hours, then reverse the hands and his position. His problem was solved, and he did not have a return of symptoms.

Repetitive motion injuries can occur in any part of the body that is constantly placed under stress. It can be at work, at home or at play. Athletes are very prone to these injuries, and you need not be a professional athlete for an injury of this sort to develop. The amateur athlete is an ideal candidate for a repetitive motion injury. Even more prone will be the weekend golfer, tennis player, bowler, etc. These are the athletes who do not warm up properly, and are not swinging the golf club, swinging the racquet, or throwing the bowling ball correctly. And there are the runners, of which there are more and more of late, are very prone to leg injuries, such as "cramps" and "shin splints". To understand why this happens, you need to understand the physiology of how muscles function. The muscles require a constant supply of blood that brings oxygen so that they can function at optimum strength and flexibility. When a muscle or muscles are being used constantly to the point of over-taxing them, they become stressed. At this point there is an over production of toxins (lactic acid) and waste products. An accumulation of these toxins result in nodules forming within the muscles. These nodules become "Trigger Points" that have an adverse affect on the muscle, and can be a source of pain, and usually are. They may be a source of pain that is referred to an area away from the original site. They also prevent the muscle from functioning properly, are very sore to the touch, and further decrease the blood supply, causing the muscle fibers to shorten. This shortening of muscle fibers prevents the muscle from being stretched to it's full range of motion (ROM)

The constant repetition of this cycle ("Repetitive Motion Injuries") ultimately results in pain whenever the muscle is used. In the acute stage, treating the muscle with physiotherapy, such as heat packs, electric muscle stimulation, ultra sound and massage therapy will certainly help alleviate the pain and discomfort. However, to prevent a re-occurrence, the cause that initially triggered the episode, must be addressed and rectified. Their Chiropractor or Physician after taking a case history and examination, can generally help them identify the offending trigger and will suggest ways in which it can be corrected.

Ultimately the individual has to be in charge of helping himself or her. After identifying the triggers involved, they need to make the necessary changes, and use proper self-care. Should the trigger be job related, investigate needed changes as previously stated. Should the trigger be related to athletics, they must be sure to stretch and warm up properly, no matter what the sport. They must also try to correct their stance, swing, throw, etc. Should there be episodes of pain and or spasms, use a heat pad and an analgesic gel (such as BIOFREEZE). The use of an electric massager (such as the MEDISANA TWO HEAD-SUPER TWIN), 3 to 4 times daily will help increase the circulation to the muscle and dissipate the offending nodules. Increasing the circulation and eliminating the nodules will restore flexibility restored to the muscle, thus normalizing the range of motion and eliminating the pain on movement. Again the bottom line is that you must take charge in order to feel better and live happier, healthier, and pain free. Knowing your body and its limitations is a first step in attaining the above goal. And furthermore you should not hesitate to seek professional advice for the proper treatment when necessary. Be sure to follow that advice when it is given.