Common Repetitive Motion Injuries - Essay Example

When something presses on the median nerve (bone, tendon, fluid) it hurts. When that occurs in the carpal tunnel, it is called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Pain in the wrist and hands as well as numbness in the thumb and the first two fingers, are Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms. Your thumb and grip are often weakened by this Syndrome. The pain and numbness are more common during the night than in the day. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is often seen in people who use computer keyboards at work (and at home) as well as work on assembly lines (Massachusetts General Hospital, 2011).

It is also seen in people who, for various reasons, play the organ and/or piano a lot. The goal of the Massachusetts General Hospital (2011) rehabilitation program is “to help the patient return to the highest level of function and independence possible while improving the overall quality of life—physically, emotionally, and socially.” With this in mind, they provide occupational therapy, exercise programs to stretch and strengthen the area, conditioning exercises to help prevent further injury, hot and cold applications, pain management techniques,use of braces and splints to immobilize the area, patient and family education, especially regarding proper ergonomics in the workplace.