Preventing and dealing with RSI/Carpel tunnel

aMEkaRmy

Canada633 Posts

March 16 2012 17:46 GMT

So as many of you may know, I'm moving to Warsaw, Poland in about 2 weeks to live in the newly formed Pro house there. While living there I'll be practising 11 hours a day and my main concern is making sure I don't get RSI or Carpel Tunnel. I've googled exersises and stretches to help prevent it, but they don't go into much detail about anything else. My wrists and forearms have recently been in a bit of pain, Not much but enough to notice it, and I don't want it to get serious. I've been working out my arms and wrists and stretching everyday, (this only started yesterday that I've been serious about it.) Should I go see a doctor and make sure I can prevent it? I just don't know the best path to go down right now.

y0su

Finland7871 Posts

March 16 2012 17:49 GMT

Just about any time you have pain in your body that doesn't go away you should see a dr. I think the best way to prevent RSI/CT is proper ergonomics. Stretching and working out are also very good but your first concern should be your posture while playing!

Soleron

United Kingdom1324 Posts

March 16 2012 18:48 GMT

Yes, go and see a doctor.

In my case, going early and proper use of splints/resting them meant it went away almost completely, if I'd left it I'm sure it would be permanent.

aMEkaRmy

Canada633 Posts

March 16 2012 19:49 GMT

okay thanks guys. I can play an entire day without problems if I really make sure my posture is good. I've been stretching and am going to look for immediate medical help from my doctor and a deep tissue massage to somewhat reset what I've done recently.

LowChucky

United Kingdom243 Posts

March 16 2012 20:19 GMT

It's also important to watch your posture, as any problem from the spine can move up and manifest itself in the neck, which can give you similar symptoms to carpel tunnel syndrome.

But above all, if you start getting symptoms, go to a professional, be it a doctor or physio.

NoctemSC

United States771 Posts

March 16 2012 21:14 GMT

I agree with the posters above me, seeking medical attention is always your first priority.
If you can not see a doctor these are things you can do to relieve the pain.

Stretch before every match, I can't stress this enough. When you play your muscles tense up constant strain for 11 hours a day is not good for anyone. Make sure you stretch each digit, both wrists and your forearms.

Cold compresses after long matches. Muscles tear when under severe strain, it's how we build muscle but this can also lead to complications. Use cold compresses every time you have such a long session on the areas that are either hot/inflamed or are causing you pain. 10 minutes on, 5 minutes off, 10 minutes on. Repeat for 30 minutes to an hour or until the pain is gone.

Proper posture, this will prevent serious issues long term. You may possibly develope what I call fondly "nerd spine"
Constant slouching increases the strain on your neck bones (top 3 plates of the spine) as much as 400% the normal workload. The bones wear away over time and start directly rubbing on the nerves inside the spine. This can lead to a whole new host of issues.

These are three things I done every time I play.

Experience: My father was a personal trainer and a sports medicine therapist for 10 years.
Uncle is a chiropractor.
I myself took two years of sports medicine in college.

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