Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) — Cumulative Damage
Table of Contents
What is RSI?
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an occupational disorder in which cumulative damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves develops from continuously repeating the same motion. It can occur in any occupation that repeatedly uses a specific joint, including manufacturing assembly lines, office work with keyboard and mouse, hairdressing scissors, and chef knife work.
Common RSI conditions
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis: inflammation of the tendon sheath on the thumb side of the wrist, with pain on thumb movement
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing numbness and reduced sensation in the 1st–3rd fingers
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): inflammation at the tendon attachment on the outer elbow, with pain when gripping objects
- Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow): inflammation at the tendon attachment on the inner elbow, with pain on wrist flexion
- Rotator cuff tendinitis: rotator cuff inflammation from repetitive overhead motions
Musculoskeletal hazard assessment
Under Korea's Occupational Safety and Health Act, employers are required to periodically conduct a musculoskeletal hazard assessment. Repetition frequency, force intensity, awkward postures, vibration exposure, and working hours are all evaluated. When workers in jobs flagged as hazardous develop RSI symptoms, the likelihood of workers' compensation recognition increases.
Acupuncture and pharmacopuncture treatment
The core of RSI treatment is controlling inflammation and restoring tendon health. Anti-inflammatory pharmacopuncture is injected directly into the damaged area to suppress local inflammation, with acupuncture applied to surrounding meridian points. Key acupoints include Daling (PC7) and Neiguan (PC6) for carpal tunnel syndrome, Yangxi (LI5) and Lieque (LU7) for tenosynovitis, and Quchi (LI11) and Shousanli (LI10) for epicondylitis.
Herbal medicine — relaxing tendons and activating blood
We use prescriptions in the Seogeun-hwalhyeol-tang (Shujin Huoxue Tang) family that promote tendon and ligament recovery. Danggui (Angelica) and Cheongung (Ligusticum) improve blood circulation; Wiryeongseon (Clematis) and Ganghwal (Notopterygium) clear wind-damp from the meridians; Sokdan (Dipsacus) and Golseubo (Drynaria) enhance the self-healing capacity of tendons and bones.