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RSI Prevention and Recovery

What Causes RSIs?

As its name implies, RSI is the result of repetitive movement carried out in an inefficient, harmful way. Chronic contraction of muscles in the neck, shoulder and back creates compression in the spine. This exerts harmful pressure on the nerves which branch out from the spinal column. This imbalance begins to feel normal but the constant tension maintains pressure on the tissues around the joints and nerves, which can lead to RSI. Most RSIs begin with stress and as this stress continues chronically, it takes its toll. In fact, a study from the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) sites many "hidden causes" or "psychosocial factors" which contribute to RSIs. Some of these include:

  • • Lack of job security
  • • Pressure at work
  • • Fear of being replaced by automation
  • • Variety of tasks on the job
  • • Lack of productivity standards
  • • Workload surges

RSI Prevention and Recovery: How the Alexander Technique Can Assist

People perform their daily activities with constant tension in their necks and backs, creating compression in joints and pressure on nerves. When they uncover the intended balanced relationship between the head, neck and back, this subtle yet destructive stress is eased or even relieved, allowing more efficient and easeful movement. This recovered poise is the result of the reduction of physical stress factors in the body brought about by simple education through the Alexander Technique.

"The Primary Control", discovered by F. M. Alexander, is the dynamic relationship of the head, neck and back. When this relationship of head/neck/back is balanced and easeful, this is the most beneficial coordination of the human body. As people learn to recover this coordination, they experience relief from neck tension allowing the spinal column to function at its maximum length. This allows maximum range of motion in all the joints along with minimum stress on nerves and leads to performing activities without train.

Through education, people become aware of how they carry unnecessary tension during their work activities. As they learn to pause briefly, release this tension and recover efficiency in the primary control, activities are carried out without the harmful stress otherwise present.

FOR INDIVIDUALS: Private Lessons

Private lessons in the Alexander Technique are customized to address your unique situation.

FOR EMPLOYERS:

RSI Prevention and Recovery: On-Site Prevention Training

  • Lecture/Demonstration: Presentations teach the basic principles of The Alexander Technique and give a general understanding of how to apply them, as well as addressing the specific challenges encountered in the work environment by the audience.
  • Lunchtime Programs: Groups of 10 to 15 employees participate in an 8- to 10-week course, attending weekly classes to develop proficiency in self-application of the principles of The Alexander Technique.
  • Worktime Programs: During 8- to 10-week programs, employees have instruction in small groups to develop proficiency in self-application of the principles of The Alexander Technique. Individual sessions are concurrently scheduled to addresses the individual issues of each employee. Group sessions typically last for 90 minutes, meeting once or twice weekly, with 10 to 15 participants per group. Each participant has a 30-minute private session every other week.
  • Customized Programs: Based on your organization's needs, specialized programs can be designed to work with those currently experiencing RSIs or those most at risk.

RSI Prevention and Recovery: How can I arrange for a consultation?

Please contact N. Brooke Lieb for more information on how The Alexander Technique can help your organization manage and prevent RSI. (212) 866-0679; brookelieb@mindspring.com; www.brookelieb.com