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Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a term sometimes used for pain caused by repeated movement of part of the body. It often gets better on its own, but there are things you can do to help speed up your recovery.

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5.0 (5)
Doctor

Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

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€86
This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a term sometimes used for pain caused by repeated movement of part of the body. It often gets better on its own, but there are things you can do to help speed up your recovery.

Symptoms of repetitive strain injury (RSI)

You can get repetitive strain injury (RSI) in many parts of the body, but it most often affects the:

  • shoulders
  • elbows
  • forearms and wrists
  • hands and fingers

The symptoms usually start gradually and can include:

  • pain, which may feel like burning, aching or throbbing
  • stiffness and weakness
  • tingling, pins-and-needles or numbness
  • muscle cramps
  • swelling

Causes of repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is caused by repeated use of a body part, such as your shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist or hand.

For example, you can get RSI if:

  • you do repetitive activities like hairdressing, decorating, typing or working on an assembly line
  • you play sports like golf or tennis that involve lots of repetitive movements
  • you have poor posture when sitting or standing at work
  • you use hand-held power tools regularly

Repetitive or strenuous work does not always cause RSI. Many people do the same job for years without having a problem.

Pain in a part of the body like the arm is often caused by a combination of things, including aging.

Things you can do to help ease repetitive strain injury (RSI)

There are a number of things you can do to help ease the symptoms of repetitive strain injury (RSI).

 Do 

  • keep active – you may need to limit the amount of activity you do to start with before gradually increasing it
  • take paracetamol or anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen – you can get tablets or gels that you rub on the painful area
  • try using a hot or cold pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on the affected area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
  • speak to your employer about ways they can help you continue working, like changing the way you work or reducing your hours

 Don’t 

  • do not rest the affected area for more than a few days – resting for too long can lead to the affected body part becoming weaker and less flexible
Consult with a doctor about Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Consult with a doctor about Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

A pharmacist can help with RSI

You can ask a pharmacist:

  • about painkilling tablets and gels
  • if you need to see a GP

 See a GP if: 

  • you have symptoms of repetitive strain injury (RSI) and they are not going away or are getting worse

Treatment for repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Most people with repetitive strain injury (RSI) are able to manage their symptoms and get better without further treatment.

Physiotherapy

If your symptoms do not improve, you may be referred for physiotherapy.

As well as massaging the affected area, a physiotherapist can show you exercises to help strengthen your muscles and improve your posture.

Other treatments

Sometimes steroid injections may be recommended to help reduce pain and swelling.

Rarely, surgery may be needed if RSI is very severe.

Self-refer for treatment

If you have RSI, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

  • ask the receptionist staff at your GP surgery
  • check your GP surgery's website
  • contact your local integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB

Online doctors for Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Repetitive strain injury (RSI) with a doctor online.

5.0 (2)
Doctor

Alexander Nazarchuk

Allergology 7 years exp.

Dr. Alexander Nazarchuk is a physician specialising in allergology and internal medicine. He provides online consultations for adults, following the principles of evidence-based medicine — no outdated treatments or unnecessary tests, with clear explanations and a personalised approach. He helps patients with a wide range of allergic and therapeutic conditions, from common day-to-day complaints to complex cases involving allergies, gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular concerns, respiratory symptoms, and more.

You can consult Dr. Nazarchuk for:

  • Test interpretation and guidance on diagnostic plans.
  • Allergic rhinitis, hay fever, bronchial asthma (including severe cases).
  • Food and drug allergies, skin rashes, angioedema.
  • Atopic dermatitis, urticaria, contact allergies.
  • Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) – initiation and ongoing management.
  • Abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel habits, nausea, heartburn.
  • High blood pressure and adjustment of baseline antihypertensive therapy.
  • Hyperlipidaemia and elevated cholesterol.
  • Cough, nasal congestion, fever, sore throat.
  • Anaemia, including iron deficiency and related conditions.
  • Other issues related to allergology and internal medicine.

During consultations, Dr. Nazarchuk takes a thorough, structured approach — analysing symptoms, identifying potential causes, and helping patients make informed decisions. Whether treatment, further investigation, or monitoring is needed, he explains each step clearly so you understand your health and how best to manage it.

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€66
5.0 (5)
Doctor

Tomasz Grzelewski

Dermatology 21 years exp.

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is an MD, PhD specialist in allergy, paediatrics, general practice and sports medicine, with a clinical focus on dermatology, endocrinology, allergology and sports-related health. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience and completed his medical training at the Medical University of Łódź, where he defended his PhD thesis with distinction. His doctoral research was recognised by the Polish Society of Allergology for its innovative contribution to the field. Throughout his career, he has gained extensive expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of allergic and paediatric conditions, including modern allergen desensitisation techniques. For five years, Dr Grzelewski served as the Head of two paediatric departments in Poland, managing complex clinical cases and leading multidisciplinary teams. He also worked in medical centres in the United Kingdom, gaining experience across both primary care and specialist environments. With over a decade of telemedicine experience, he has provided online consultations across Europe and is valued for his clear, structured and evidence-based medical guidance. Dr Grzelewski is actively involved in clinical programmes focused on modern anti-allergic therapies. As a Principal Investigator, he leads research projects on sublingual and oral allergen desensitisation, supporting evidence-based progress in allergy treatment for both children and adults. In addition to his background in allergology and paediatrics, he completed dermatology studies through the Cambridge Education Group (Royal College of Physicians of Ireland) and a Clinical Endocrinology course at Harvard Medical School. This advanced training enhances his ability to manage skin manifestations of allergies, atopic conditions, urticaria, endocrine-related symptoms and complex immunological reactions. Patients commonly seek his care for: 

  • seasonal and perennial allergies
  • allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms
  • asthma and breathing difficulties
  • food and medication allergies
  • urticaria, atopic dermatitis and skin reactions
  • recurrent infections in children
  • sports-related health questions
  • general family medicine concerns

Dr Tomasz Grzelewski is known for his clear communication style, structured medical approach and ability to explain treatment options in a concise and accessible way. His multidisciplinary background across allergy, paediatrics, dermatology and endocrinology allows him to provide safe, up-to-date and comprehensive care for patients of all ages.

Camera Book a video appointment
€86
0.0 (0)
Doctor

Joao Silva

General medicine 6 years exp.

Dr. João Silva is a physician with training and experience in the field of General and Family Medicine, dedicated to providing healthcare focused on the well-being and quality of life of his patients. Throughout his professional career, he has developed broad clinical competencies, striving to maintain a medical practice based on scientific evidence and continuous knowledge updates.

Between 2013 and 2019, he completed the Integrated Master's Degree in Medicine at the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Porto, where he acquired a solid academic and clinical education.

Subsequently, between January 2021 and December 2021, he completed the General Internship at the Entre Douro e Vouga Hospital Center in Santa Maria da Feira, where he had the opportunity to work in different hospital settings and deepen his competencies in several areas of medicine.

From January 2022 until March 2026, he works as a Resident Physician in General and Family Medicine at USF Salvador Machado in Oliveira de Azeméis, developing clinical activities in primary healthcare, follow-up of chronic patients, and health promotion in the community.

Complementing his medical training, Dr. João Silva also completed a Postgraduate Degree in Continuing and Palliative Care at CESPU, strengthening his preparation in the comprehensive approach to patient care, especially in situations requiring prolonged care and multidisciplinary support.

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€61
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