In today’s digital age, many of us rely heavily on computers for work, often spending hours each day performing repetitive tasks such as clicking a mouse. Over time, these seemingly harmless actions can lead to a common yet debilitating condition known as tendonitis. Work injury physiotherapy in Edmonton addresses immediate pain and discomfort and aims to prevent future flare-ups by improving ergonomic practices and strengthening affected muscles.
What is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis specifically involves inflammation of the tendons in the wrist and forearm due to prolonged and repetitive movements. The constant clicking and scrolling motions strain the tendons, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness in affected areas.
This condition not only hampers productivity by limiting the ability to perform tasks requiring mouse use but also disrupts daily activities like writing, lifting objects, or even simple movements like gripping.
Without intervention, it can progress to chronic pain and further complications. Work injury physiotherapy in Edmonton helps alleviate symptoms and restores functionality, enabling individuals to navigate their work and personal lives with reduced discomfort and improved mobility.
Can Physiotherapy Offer Effective Treatment for Tendonitis?
Yes, physiotherapy can offer effective treatment for tendonitis resulting from repetitive computer mouse use. Here’s how physiotherapy can help:
Assessment:
Comprehensive Evaluation:
- Symptom Assessment: Detailed evaluation of symptoms related to tendonitis, such as pain, stiffness, and swelling.
- Medical History: Gathering information about past injuries, medical conditions, and activities contributing to the condition.
- Physical Examination: Hands-on assessment to locate tender points, assess range of motion, and test strength and flexibility of the affected tendons.
- Functional Assessment: Evaluating how the condition affects daily activities and work tasks.
Treatment Modalities
Massage Therapy for Tendonitis:
- Myofascial Release: Techniques used to release tightness in the fascia surrounding the affected tendons, reducing muscle tension and promoting better blood flow to aid in healing.
- Trigger Point Therapy: Direct pressure applied to specific trigger points in the affected muscles or tendons to minimize discomfort and improve range of motion.
- Deep Tissue Massage: Targets deeper muscle layers and tendons to reduce adhesions and scar tissue, promoting tissue healing and flexibility.
Joint Mobilization for Tendonitis:
- Gentle Manipulation: Techniques applied to the joints near the affected tendons to improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and enhance overall movement.
- Soft Tissue Mobilization: Involves gentle stretching and manipulation of the soft tissues around the tendon to improve elasticity and reduce tension.
Exercise Therapy:
Stretching Exercises:
Targeted stretches to improve flexibility, reduce muscle tightness, and increase the range of motion in the affected tendons.
Wrist Flexor Stretch:
- Hold your arm out in front of you.
- Utilize your opposite hand to softly lower your wrist until you feel a stretch in the forearm.
- Maintain for 15-30 seconds and repeat on both sides.
Strengthening Exercises:
Gradual strengthening of muscles around the affected tendon to improve support and stability, reducing strain on the tendon.
Finger and Grip Strengthening:
- Squeeze a soft stress ball or therapy putty in your hand and hold for 5-10 seconds.
- Release and repeat 10-15 times.
- Alternatively, use rubber bands or grip strengtheners to work on finger and hand strength.
Electrotherapy:
Ultrasound Therapy:
It utilizes sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues, including tendons, generating heat that increases blood flow. This promotes healing by transporting oxygen and nutrients, reduces inflammation, easing pain associated with tendonitis, and accelerates healing by enhancing circulation and metabolic activity, supporting repair and regeneration of tendon tissues.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation:
It works by delivering low-level electrical pulses via electrodes positioned on the skin near the affected tendon. These pulses interfere with pain signals sent to the brain, providing relief from pain associated with tendonitis.
Education and Ergonomics
Ergonomic Advice:
- Workstation Setup: Guidance on adjusting the height of the chair and desk to ensure proper alignment of the body.
- Keyboard and Mouse Placement: Encouragement to position the keyboard and mouse close to the body and at the same level to minimize reaching.
Postural Education:
- Proper Sitting Posture: Instruction on maintaining a neutral spine, with shoulders relaxed and elbows close to the body.
- Head and Neck Positioning: Guidance on keeping the head aligned with the spine to prevent neck strain.
Activity Modification
Breaks and Rest:
- Regular Breaks: Encouraging individuals to take frequent breaks (e.g., every 30 minutes) from repetitive tasks involving the computer mouse.
- Micro-breaks: Suggest short breaks (e.g., every 10-15 minutes) to perform quick stretches or change hand positions to relieve tension and prevent overuse.
Activity Pacing:
- Gradual Progression: Recommending a gradual increase in activity levels and workload, especially after a period of rest or during recovery phases.
- Task Alternation: Encouraging alternation between tasks that involve different muscle groups or movements, reducing the repetitive strain on specific tendons.
Supportive Devices
Wrist Supports or Splints:
- Wrist Splints: These devices immobilize the wrist joint to prevent excessive movement that can aggravate tendonitis. They provide support and stability during activities that involve repetitive wrist movements, like using a computer mouse.
- Wrist Braces: Similar to splints, wrist braces can provide support and limit movement to reduce strain on the affected tendons.
Gel Pads and Cushions:
- Mouse Pads with Wrist Support: Incorporate gel or cushioned wrist rests to provide comfort and maintain proper wrist alignment during mouse use.
Enhancing Work Comfort:
Tendonitis stemming from repetitive computer mouse use can significantly impact both professional and personal lives. Work injury physiotherapy in Edmonton helps individuals to manage symptoms, regain functionality, and prevent future flare-ups. In Step Physiotherapy Edmonton offers a range of treatments, including pain management techniques, manual therapy, tailored exercise programs, ergonomic education, and activity modification strategies.
By adopting ergonomic practices, engaging in targeted exercises prescribed by physiotherapists, and seeking professional guidance, individuals can alleviate discomfort, improve their overall well-being, and enhance productivity.
