Effective Treatment of Repetitive Stress and Overuse Injuries

Repetitive Stress Injuries, sometimes called repetitive strain or overuse injuries, are at nearly epidemic proportions in our society.

If you have neck pain and stiffness, pain in your shoulders, headaches, or tingling in your hands while using your computer you probably have a repetitive stress injury.

Lower back pain while sitting at your desk or performing physical labor are also common examples of repetitive stress injury.

Even athletes are at risk of a type of overuse or over training injuries from repetitive stress. The good news is that repetitive stress or overuse injuries respond very well to a combination of Chiropractic and Active Release Technique, and often resolve in a short period of time.  Active Release Technique is considered the 'Gold Standard' for soft tissue treatment, and people often start feeling significant relief after their first treatment.

 

What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries and Overuse Injuries?

Repetitive stress injuries occur when people perform activities that place repetitive stress on a particular part of their body.  Any activity that involves repetitive motion, being in a fixed position for long periods of time, or performing repetitive forceful movements can cause a repetitive stress injury.  Overuse injuries occur in much the same way, but this term usually refers to overuse injuries from over training.  

 All of these activities place a great deal of stress on the body and cause strain on the muscles, joints, nerves and other soft tissues.  Without proper treatment or recovery time, repetitive stress or overuse injuries can cause damage to muscles, joints and soft tissues, and can lead to chronic pain or more serious injury..

 

Effects of Repetitive Strain or Overuse Injuries on the Body

The effects of repetitive stress and overuse on the body are very predictable, and can be significant if not addressed.  With repetitive stress and overuse, muscles tend to become stiff and sore, and eventually weaken as repetitive stress continues.  Muscles and tendons become inflamed, and if stress continues these tissues start to become damaged. 

The body forms scar tissue and adhesions in the area of damage – think of those big knots in your neck and shoulders when using your computer all day.  Tight muscles become weaker, and weak muscles become more tight as the repetitive stress cycle continues.  The repetitive stress injury cycle is self-perpetuating and the downward spiral continues often resulting in time loss or disability in an injured worker, and poor performance or injury in an athlete.

 

Common Repetitive Stress and Overuse Injuries

Repetitive stress injury is common with individuals who use a computer all day, and can lead to neck pain, shoulder pain, numbness and tingling in the hands, and chronic headaches.  If the injury cycle continues long enough it can lead to pinched nerves, or more serious conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome.

With people who work physical labor, repetitive strain often leads to lower back pain and sciatica.  People who are on their feet all day can develop a type of foot pain called plantar fasciitis, which can also be debilitating.  Athletes may develop running injuries or other sports injuries like pulled muscles as a result of over training or overuse.

 

Active Release Technique for Repetitive Stress or Overuse Injuries

Active Release Technique is considered the ‘Gold Standard’ in soft tissue injuries, and is incredibly effective for treating repetitive stress and overuse injuries.  Active Release Technique is able to break up scar tissue and adhesions, stretch injured muscles and soft tissues, decrease inflammation, and improve blood flow.

A significant decrease in pain, as well as improved strength, speed and endurance are often seen in just a few Active Release treatments.  Chiropractic, if used in conjunction with Active Release Technique, can help improve joint function, increase ranges of motion, and improve flexibility.  Together the two form an effective combination for treating repetitive stress injuries.

 

Treatment of Reptitive Stress and Overuse Injuries in Bellevue, WA

If you’re interested in learning about how Chiropractic and Active Release can help your repetitive stress or overuse injury, please consider scheduling a consultation with Bellevue Chiropractor Dr. Keith McGahey.  His Chiropractic clinic, Eastside Chiropractic Group, is located in Downtown Bellevue near Overlake Hospital. Open Saturdays, same day appointments are available, and consultations are ALWAYS FREE!  Call (425) 455-2711.