Research done by the School of Physiotherapy – Malaysia and the Myofascial Therapy and Research Foundation – India hails positive results for the effectiveness of massage on repetitive strain injuries like ‘mouse/tennis elbow’, also knows as Lateral Epicondylitis (LE).
Splitting the computer professionals into two groups, the control group received sham ultrasound therapy while the other group received 12 sessions of Myofascial Release (MFR) over a period of 4 weeks. MFR is a specific massage technique involving the manipulation of our fascia which is found througout our muscles and body.
The group receiving MFR reported a 78.7% reduction in pain and functional disability compared to the control group that reported a 6.8% reduction by week 4.
RSI is a growing concern among computer professionals as well as any other professions involving repetitive movements. To learn more about what RSI is click here. To view report on this study click here
What is LE?
Lateral Epicondylitis/Tennis/Mouse Elbow is a very common injury. Pain can be felt along the elbow, forearm, wrist and sometimes the fingers; if quite advanced the injury can result in dysfunction. Your grip weakens and rapid fatigue is observed.
The pain of tennis elbow comes mainly from damaged tendons near the elbow. Tendons are not very flexible and have little blood supply. This means they take much longer to heal and recover than muscle.
Activities that can cause this ‘overload’ of the tendons are varied but generally relates to the way you carry out activities such as gripping, twisting, reaching and moving your arm and hand. These activities can become hazardous when preformed in a fixed or awkward position with constant repetition and without rest.
It is often a very common injury among office workers and correct ergonomic work stations are essential. Contact us today about our Ergonomic assessment service.
While most commonly associated today with computer use, RSI (repetitive stress injuries) affects workers in a wide range of fields from assembly-line production to professional athletes.
“In 1988 not a single workers' compensation claim form in the United States reflected computer-related trauma disorders associated with mouse use. By 1993, the number has soared to 325,000. Repetitive strain is rapidly becoming one of the major occupational hazards causing thousands of work related injuries annually, and that number is expected to grow as workplaces continue to automate.” – Global Health & Fitness
Myrthe Wieler - Dip ITEC, CIBTAC
