Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a condition caused by prolonged repetitive hand movements, such as those involved in computer use. Symptoms include shooting pains in the hands, wrists, forearms, and back.
Here are 6 simple tips to prevent RSI and reduce the symptoms.

1. Type with wrists in the Neutral Position
In Ergonomics, Neutral Wrist Position is defined as:

• a straight, unbroken wrist
• the hand rotated to a relaxed position (30-60 degrees)
• the fingers curled and at rest
• the thumb straight and relaxed

It is easy to unknowingly type with your wrists in any other position due to keyboard height and placement, which all put additional strain on tendons.

2. Adjust or replace your keyboard
The correct keyboard adjustment is one where the keyboard is flat and at or below elbow level. This position makes it easiest to type with your wrists in the neutral position.
A gel wrist rest placed along the edge of the desk can help prevent you from resting your wrists on the hard edge of the desk or table. However, you should never rest your wrists while typing even with gel rests. Only use this when you are no longer typing.

3. The mouse is often to blame
Many people develop RSI in the hand they use the mouse with as they tend to rest their wrist and flex it upwards in the Dorsiflexion Position when it should be in neutral, as when you are typing. Using a mouse pad with a gel can promote elevation in the wrist while using the mouse.

4. Take regular breaks
To prevent developing RSI, it is recommended to take a 5 minute break every 20 or 30 minutes of continuous desk activity, and more frequently if you have the condition. Set a reminder on your computer or mobile device and use this time to walk around and stretch your wrists.

5. Sit at the computer with good posture
Bad posture while at a computer can lead to numerous aches and strains in your neck, back, and even wrists. Bad posture is a primary risk factor in RSI because leaning forward instead of sitting up straight leads to resting your wrists while using the keyboard and mouse. Choose and adjust your seat so that you sit up straight, rather than leaning forward over the keyboard.
Refer to this article if you aren't sure what constitutes good posture.
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6. Get treatment
The final step to reducing symptoms of RSI is visiting a physiotherapist where you will benefit from a prognosis, hands on treatment, and a program to help reduce your symptoms when you're sitting alone in front of a computer. The key to less pain could be as simple as changing your habits.

This is often the first question people ask themselves when they suffer from chronic pain or have an acute injury. The truth is, you cannot go wrong visiting either a doctor or physiotherapist. The main difference is the experiences you have during the assessment and treatments provided by a physiotherapist and the assessment and advice of a doctor.

Here is a simple guideline that may help you make your decision.
You should see a physiotherapist if:

• You have chronic pain.
• You want to diagnose an injury - physiotherapists have the capability to diagnose your injury or pain without any previous input or referrals from your doctor.
• You want an exercise plan - whether to strength injuries or learn how to be more physically active, physiotherapists will provide a personalized exercise regimine that fits your needs.
• You want manual therapy, ultrasound, laser, acupuncture, and other hands-on treatment.
• You want to increase mobility - whether it's your shoulder, knee or back, if you feel restricted from normal range of motions, physiotherapists will treat this.
• You just had surgery, injured yourself at home or during physical activity, were in a car accident or had a workplace injury - while physiotherapy can be preventative, it is also a key solution to an acute injury.

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You should see your doctor if:

• You want scans - doctors provide forms for X-rays, CT and MRI scans to diagnose an injury.
• You want a referral - physiotherapy does not require a referral, however some extended health insurance does and your doctor  most likely knows the best physiotherapists in your area.
• You want prescription pain medication - physiotherapists can provide you with different supportive equipment, such as braces, but do not have the capability to prescribe medication.

Physiotherapy
Physical therapy for balance focuses on the ability of the joints and brain to communicate, the balance system in the ear, and vision. Physiotherapy works to coordinate all three areas in one exercise such as standing on one foot, first with the eyes open, and then with the eyes closed. In addition, physiotherapy improves balance with increased joint flexibility, walking, and lower-extremity exercises.
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Muscle strengthening
"Core strength is very important for balance. If the abdominal muscles in your core are weak, they cannot support your limbs, especially when you're walking. If the gluteal muscles in your buttocks and hips aren't strong, they won't be able to propel you forward,"
Two exercises that will improve muscle strength is bridges and wall planks. Consult a physiotherapist before adding any exercise into your balance program.

Tai Chi and Yoga
Tai chi and yoga are exercises that make you pay attention to the control and quality of movement, rather than the quantity, which improves your balance. In tai chi, you practice slow, flowing motions and shift your weight from one limb to another. Yoga incorporates a poses that focus on correct postures and breathing. Both exercises increase flexibility, range of motion, leg and core strength, reflexes and your ability to balance in multiple stances.

Vision correction
If you can't see where you're going, your fall risk goes up. The solution may be as simple as a new eyeglasses prescription. If you have an increased risk for other eye conditions, you may need an eye exam more often.

Assistive walking devices
A cane or a walker will provide more stability and confidence when walking. Walkers are available with wheels intended for different terrain, lockable brakes, seats, baskets, and other features such as headlights. Canes are available with various handgrips and bases. Seeing a physiotherapist is the best way to get trained on how to effectively use these devices to help improve your balance.

1. Stay hydrated
The discs between the vertebrae in your spine require water to maintain disc height and spinal alignment and to take pressure off the spine.

• Each spinal disc is roughly 80 percent water, with this decreasing as the disc degenerates over time.
• Pairing your water intake with your daily habits, such as drinking two glasses of water before each meal, may also help.
• Over time, maintaining strong daily hydration habits may prevent further degeneration of cervical discs, which may reduce neck pain.

2. Increase magnesium intake
Neck pain is most frequently the result of a muscle strain or sprain. Increasing your intake of magnesium, a mineral that aids in the contraction and relaxation of muscles, may help avoid these pain causing problems.

• Magnesium is commonly found in fruits, vegetables, beans, soy products and whole grains.
• Magnesium can be absorbed by taking a bath with Epsom salt, or a similar supplement.
• You may use magnesium oil, which is applied directly to the skin after a warm shower or bath.

3. Avoid cradling the phone in your neck
One way you may not even realize that you’re aggravating your neck is through angling it while speaking on the phone. Do not cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder, as this puts unneeded strain on your cervical spine.

4. Consider acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulated nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation boosts your body's natural painkillers and increases blood flow, which is proven to help some people with pain management.​

5. Try remedial massage
Remedial massage differs from traditional massage in that it involves oil being applied and rubbed into the skin. Over time, the oil is intended to penetrate the muscles and joints, removing toxins and improving joint mobility while relaxing the muscles. A targeted remedial massage may offer relief for your neck pain.

6. Visit a physiotherapist
It is common to think of physiotherapy as a treatment aimed at reducing symptoms from a given injury. In addition to this, physiotherapy for the neck can also have other benefits, such as:

• Identifying secondary causes of pain.
• Teaching you how to reduce the risk of re-injury.
• Strengthening the weak areas of the neck through targeted exercises.

7. Place ice on certain areas of the body
Neck pain may also be joined by nagging headaches and numbness or tingling in the back of the head, neck, shoulders and hands.
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8. Use a water pillow
Water pillows allow you to dictate the firmness of the pillow to reach the ideal firmness that reduces neck pain while sleeping. More water equals a firmer pillow; less water provides a softer pillow.

9. Incorporate swimming into your exercise routine
Swimming has therapeutic effects on neck pain, specifically in reducing inflammation, providing quick pain relief and easing neck stiffness.