Overuse syndrome can be caused by repetitive movement or overuse to a muscle or joint. For example, if you rely on your hands for your work, you are more prone to overuse injury of the arms. Read on to learn about overuse syndrome – what is it and how can massage help?
What are the signs and symptoms?
Initially the area affected may feel fatigued, ache or have tension. Swelling, heat or redness in the area can also occur. Weakness, numbness and or tingling in the extremities can occur as well as general aching or shooting pain. If these symptoms are not resolved quickly, micro-trauma can occur. Over time more serious conditions may occur.
Some common examples of overuse syndromes are:
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Patello-femoral Pain
- IT Band Friction Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
Who gets overuse syndrome?
Those who rely heavily on the use of a single joint – such as the hands, elbow, shoulder, hips or knees. Trades such as builders and electricians, check out operators or line production workers, and typists.
Some athletes may be prone to overuse syndrome in other areas of the body, and those with hobbies that require lots of ‘hand heavy’ work, such as knitting or musicians.
How is overuse syndrome treated?
Most start with conservative treatments such as massage, physiotherapy and some stretching and strengthening exercises such as yoga or prescribed pilates. At home treatments such as heat and cold therapies, rest, and the use of compression bandages can also help. If these treatments are unsuccessful cortisone injections or surgery may be suggested.
Ideally, the best way to treat an overuse injury is to rest the affected area, and discontinue the activity that is causing the injury. For some this may be impossible due to their work. The employment of an occupational therapist can be useful to help you change the way you operate and keep you working without pain or further injury.
Are there any complications?
It is always best to seek treatment as early as possible for an overuse injury. The longer an injury of this type goes on, the harder or longer it will take to heal. On-going injury can lead to more serious injury. For example, tendon damage, calcification and spur build up, or cartilage damage. All of which will require surgery to rectify.
How can I avoid getting overuse syndrome?
- Warming up and stretching before exercise and work.
- Negotiating with your employer to change your routine work throughout the day. The less you repeat the same action, the less you are likely to cause injury.
- Resting at the end of the day, to ensure any micro injuries heal before you next return to the activity.
- Ensuring you are doing your activity with the best ergonomics possible. For example, ensuring your work area is set up correctly for you.
How can remedial massage help?
Remedial massage will use various soft tissue techniques to relieve any muscle tension build up that could cause further complications from overuse. Deep tissue massage improves circulation around micro-trauma in the muscle to speed up recovery. It also breaks down calcification build up that leads to spur development. Cupping stretches the connective tissue surrounding the muscles, allowing for release of compartment tension and greater movement of muscles. Dry needling alleviates trigger points in the muscles and referred pain that may have built up with overuse.
Stretches for arm overuse syndrome from “Stretching” by Bob and Jean Anderson
