Arm, shoulder and hand injuries

Occupational Overuse Injury

What is an occupational overuse injury?

Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) is a condition of the muscles in the wrist, forearm, arm and neck that is caused by their overuse (or misuse) at work. The muscles of the upper limbs are not designed to hold specific positions for a long time, nor to do the same activity repeatedly.

If these muscles are performing these activities constantly (working against their design), then the muscles release a waste bi-product (acid) as they are forced to produce energy without sufficient oxygen. It is a build up of these bi-product chemicals in specific areas that signal pain, muscle spasm, tenderness and the need to stop the activity causing the muscles to become aggravated.

What may I experience?

A general ache or burning pain along your arm, neck or back of shoulder.
Pain that increases over time
Pain after a specific action
Along wrist, elbow Non specific pain, pain goes up and down in severity
Not always related to a specific activity at that time

What should I do?

It is important with Cumulative Trauma Disorder to examine the activities you do and to look at how you do them. It may be necessary to make some adjustments to your environment to maximise the mechanical advantage of your muscles. You will also need to help your muscles heal through: rest, massage, stretches and specific endurance strengthening exercises. This investigation into your work and home activities helps us to identify potential aggravating activities. It is essential to help you learn to manage your condition. You will be given a home program of exercises. It is also helpful to improve your overall fitness to get the best results for your muscles. It is recommended to keep working but to modify how you do certain tasks.

‍

Correct posture, distances and angles at a desk

‍

Efficient working posture

Computer screen 90 degrees with 15 degrees eye movement
Good Lighting
Chin Retracted
Shoulders Relaxed
Elbows 90 degrees
Wrists relaxed on Keyboard
Knees 90 degrees
Feet Flat on the floor

‍

What can I expect?

The severity of this injury is variable and fluctuates. It will require you to make some changes at work and at home.

You need to take a very proactive approach to getting yourself better as it will take time and commitment before you see the results.

You can recover from cumulative trauma disorder and we look forward to going on this journey with you.

‍

What is an occupational overuse injury?What may I experience?What should I do?What can I expect?

Book an Appointment

You might also want to read about...

Dislocations

Dislocations of the thumb and fingers are common. Dislocations occur when a large force, usually hyperextension, pushes the bone out of its normal joint position.

Wrist Instability

Wrist instability occurs when one or more of the wrist ligaments have lost integrity, are lax, or damaged. This alters the normal wrist mechanics of the carpal bones and hence affects your hand function.

Triangulo-fibro Cartilage Complex

Your triangulo-fibro cartilage complex (TFCC) is a structure that sits as a sling to hold the outside of your wrist together.

See All Injuries