Burnaby Physio & Massage Therapy
REPETITIVE STRESS INJURY TREATMENT
Treatments
Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) Treatment in Burnaby - EastWest Physiotherapy
Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSIs) develop gradually and can quietly interfere with work, sports, and daily life. Whether you’re experiencing wrist pain from computer use, shoulder discomfort from repetitive lifting, or forearm pain that won’t settle, physiotherapy plays a key role in recovery and prevention.
At EastWest Physiotherapy in Burnaby, we provide one-to-one RSI treatment in private rooms, combining evidence-based Western physiotherapy with proven Eastern techniques such as acupuncture and cupping to address both symptoms and root causes.
How Physiotherapy Helps Repetitive Stress Injuries
Physiotherapy addresses both the symptoms and the mechanical causes of RSI. Evidence shows that a combined approach of education, exercise therapy, manual therapy, and ergonomic modification leads to better long-term outcomes than rest alone.
At EastWest Physiotherapy, treatment is always individualized, not protocol-based.
What Is a Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI)?
A Repetitive Stress Injury refers to pain or dysfunction caused by repeated movements, sustained postures, or prolonged loading of tissues over time. Unlike sudden injuries, RSI’s develop gradually as muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints are exposed to prolonged stress without adequate recovery.
RSI’s commonly affect:
- Wrists and hands
- Forearms and elbows
- Shoulders
- Neck and upper back
- Hips, knees, and ankles (in some occupations or sports)
Over time, repetitive strain can exceed the tissue’s capacity to heal, leading to inflammation, irritation, or degeneration.
Common Symptoms of RSI
Symptoms often start subtly and worsen over time if left untreated. These may include:
- Aching or burning pain
- Stiffness or tightness
- Weakness or reduced grip strength
- Tingling or numbness
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Discomfort during work or repetitive tasks
Early physiotherapy intervention can prevent symptoms from becoming chronic.
What Causes Repetitive Stress Injuries?
RSI’s rarely come from one single factor. Instead, they develop due to a combination of physical, environmental, and workload-related contributors, including:
- Repetitive movements without adequate rest
- Prolonged static postures (such as desk or computer work)
- Poor workstation ergonomics
- Muscle imbalances or weakness
- Reduced joint mobility
- High training or work volume without recovery
- Inadequate movement variability
Research published in occupational health and musculoskeletal journals consistently shows that load management, movement correction, and progressive exercise are essential for recovery.
Common Types of Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive stress injuries include a wide range of conditions, such as:
- Tendinitis and tendinopathy
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Shoulder impingement
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Trigger finger
- Chronic muscle strain
- Nerve irritation or compression
While these conditions may differ in diagnosis, they share similar underlying contributors and respond well to physiotherapy-led care.
Our RSI Treatment Approach at EastWest Physiotherapy
Comprehensive One-to-One Assessment
Your physiotherapist will assess: Movement patterns and posture Joint mobility and muscle flexibility Strength and endurance of involved tissues Nerve sensitivity where relevant Work, sport, and daily activity demands Understanding why the injury developed allows us to treat it effectively and prevent recurrence.
Exercise Therapy & Load Management
Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for RSI. Research supports progressive loading to restore tendon and muscle health rather than prolonged rest. Your program may include: Strengthening of affected muscles and tendons Postural and scapular stability exercises Endurance-based loading for work tolerance Mobility exercises to reduce joint strain Exercises are progressed carefully to respect tissue healing while rebuilding capacity.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on physiotherapy techniques help: Reduce muscle tension Improve joint mobility Restore normal movement patterns Decrease pain and protective guarding Manual therapy is used strategically to support, not replace, active rehabilitation.
Acupuncture / Dry Needling
Acupuncture and dry needling are effective adjuncts for RSI management. Research shows benefits in reducing pain, muscle tension, and local inflammation. These techniques can help: Calm irritated tissues Calm the nervous system to optimize the body’s healing potential Improve circulation Reduce nerve sensitivity Accelerate recovery when combined with exercise therapy
Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy may be used to: Reduce soft tissue restrictions Improve blood flow Decrease muscle tightness from repetitive use Cupping is often helpful for chronic RSI patterns where tissue stiffness has developed over time.
Electrotherapy & Therapeutic Modalities
When appropriate, modalities such as: TENS / IFC Ultrasound therapy Neuromuscular stimulation may be used to manage pain and support tissue healing, especially during early or highly irritable stages.
Ergonomic & Postural Education
Education is a key part of RSI recovery. We provide practical guidance on: Desk and workstation setup Task modification Micro-break strategies Movement variation throughout the day Small changes in how you work or move can significantly reduce strain over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Repetitive Stress Injury Treatment
What is considered a repetitive stress injury (RSI)?
A repetitive stress injury is a condition caused by repeated movements, sustained positions, or prolonged loading of muscles, tendons, joints, or nerves. RSIs develop gradually and often worsen over time if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Can physiotherapy help repetitive stress injuries?
Yes. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for RSI. It focuses on reducing pain, restoring movement, improving tissue capacity, and correcting contributing factors such as posture, strength imbalances, and movement habits.
Do I need to stop working or exercising with an RSI?
Not always. Complete rest is rarely necessary and may slow recovery. Your physiotherapist will help modify activities, manage load, and guide you on what movements are safe while tissues heal.
How long does it take for a repetitive stress injury to heal?
Recovery time varies depending on how long symptoms have been present and how severe the injury is. Many people notice improvement within 3–6 weeks, while long-standing or complex RSIs may take longer with gradual progress.
Is acupuncture effective for repetitive stress injuries?
Research shows that acupuncture and dry needling can help reduce pain, muscle tension, and inflammation associated with RSI. When combined with exercise therapy and education, it can support faster symptom relief.
Can cupping therapy help with RSI?
Cupping therapy may help reduce muscle tightness, improve circulation, and release soft tissue restrictions caused by repetitive use. It is often used alongside physiotherapy exercises and manual therapy.
Do repetitive stress injuries show up on imaging like MRI or X-ray?
Not always. Many RSIs involve soft tissue irritation or overload that does not appear clearly on imaging. A clinical physiotherapy assessment is often more useful than imaging for guiding treatment.
Will my RSI come back after treatment?
Recurrence is possible if the underlying causes are not addressed. Physiotherapy focuses on improving strength, endurance, posture, and movement strategies to reduce the risk of symptoms returning.
Is RSI the same as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis?
RSI is a broad term that includes conditions such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow. While diagnoses differ, physiotherapy treatment principles often overlap.
When should I see a physiotherapist for RSI?
If pain, stiffness, weakness, or tingling persists for more than a few days or interferes with work or daily activities, early physiotherapy assessment can help prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
Why Choose EastWest Physiotherapy for RSI Treatment?
Your massage experience is personalized and restorative.
- One-to-one physiotherapy care
- Private treatment rooms
- Evidence-based Western rehabilitation
- Integrated Eastern techniques (acupuncture, cupping)
- Personalized treatment plans
- Convenient location near Brentwood and North Burnaby
Our approach focuses on restoring function, reducing recurrence, and helping you return to work and activity with confidence.
Book Repetitive Stress Injury Physiotherapy in Burnaby
If you’re experiencing ongoing pain from repetitive work, sports, or daily activities, physiotherapy can help address the root cause before symptoms worsen.