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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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Doctor

Maria Martelli

Anaesthesiology 12 years exp.

Dr Maria Martelli is a medical doctor specialising in anaesthesiology and pain medicine. She provides online consultations for adults, focusing on the assessment and management of acute, chronic, and complex pain conditions, as well as supportive care in serious illness. She graduated from the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice and completed her specialisation in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care. Alongside hospital work, she has extensive experience in home and inpatient hospice care, supporting patients with severe pain and advanced disease. Since 2021, she has been a certified specialist and continues to work in anaesthesiology, intensive care, and pain treatment. Patients consult her for: 

  • Chronic pain lasting more than 3 months (musculoskeletal, neuropathic, mixed pain).
  • Acute pain requiring medical assessment and treatment planning.
  • Post-operative pain and recovery support.
  • Cancer-related pain and symptom relief.
  • Palliative care support and quality-of-life improvement.
  • Adjustment and optimisation of pain medication.
  • Second opinions for complex or treatment-resistant pain.

Dr Martelli takes a structured, evidence-based approach, carefully analysing symptoms, previous treatments, and overall health status. Her consultations focus on realistic pain control goals, safety of therapy, and improving daily functioning. She is especially attentive to patients living with long-term pain or serious illness, providing clear explanations, compassionate guidance, and medically sound recommendations adapted to each individual situation.

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 (1237)
Doctor

Andrei Popov

General medicine 7 years exp.

Dr. Andrei Popov is a family physician with specialized training in the management of chronic pain. He provides video consultations for adults in Spain and across Europe: whether you have been living with pain for months that no one has been able to properly explain, or you need to resolve a health issue without waiting weeks for an appointment.

His approach is clear: to listen, organize your case, and provide you with a practical roadmap based on evidence-based medicine and adapted to your medical history and personal needs.

Pain: how he can help

  • Chronic pain (more than 3 months
  • Migraine and recurrent or high-intensity headaches
  •  Neck, lower back, back and joint pain
  •  Post-traumatic pain after injuries or surgeries
  •  Pain of neurological origin: neuralgia, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia

General medicine

  • Frequent respiratory infections (cold, flu, persistent cough)
  • Hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders
  • Review of laboratory tests and MRI/CT reports (explained in clear language)
  • Preventive medicine and health monitoring
  • Second opinions and treatment adjustments (when clinically appropriate)

What the consultation is like
 Each session lasts up to 30 minutes. We review symptoms, medical history, medications and any tests you provide, and you finish the consultation with a clear treatment plan, defined next steps, and criteria to understand when follow-up may be needed. If warning signs are detected, he will clearly advise whether you need in-person care or urgent medical attention.

5.0 (44)
Doctor

Dmytro Horobets

Family medicine 7 years exp.

Dr. Dmytro Horobets is a licensed family medicine physician in Poland, specialising in endocrinology, diabetology, obesity management, gastroenterology, pediatrics, general surgery, and pain medicine. He offers online consultations for adults and children, providing personalised medical support for a wide range of acute and chronic health concerns.

Areas of expertise:

  • Endocrinology: diabetes type 1 and type 2, prediabetes, thyroid disorders, metabolic syndrome, hormonal imbalance.
  • Obesity medicine: structured weight management plans, nutritional counselling, obesity-related health risks.
  • Gastroenterology: acid reflux (GERD), gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), liver and biliary conditions.
  • Pediatric care: infections, respiratory symptoms, digestive issues, growth and development monitoring.
  • General surgery support: pre- and post-surgical consultations, wound care, rehabilitation.
  • Pain management: chronic and acute pain, back pain, joint pain, post-traumatic pain syndromes.
  • Cardiovascular health: hypertension, cholesterol control, risk assessment for heart disease.
  • Preventive medicine: regular check-ups, health screenings, long-term management of chronic conditions.

Dr. Horobets combines evidence-based medicine with a patient-centred approach. He carefully evaluates each patient’s medical history and symptoms, offering clear explanations and structured treatment plans adapted to individual needs.

Whether you need help managing diabetes, tackling weight-related health issues, interpreting lab results, or receiving general family medicine support, Dr. Horobets provides professional online care tailored to your specific health goals.

5.0 (196)
Doctor

Yevgen Yakovenko

General surgery 12 years exp.

Dr. Yevgen Yakovenko is a licensed surgeon and general practitioner in Spain and Germany. He specialises in general, paediatric, and oncological surgery, internal medicine, and pain management. He offers online consultations for adults and children, combining surgical precision with therapeutic support. Dr Yakovenko works with patients across different countries and provides care in Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Spanish.

Areas of medical expertise:

  • Acute and chronic pain: headaches, muscle and joint pain, back pain, abdominal pain, postoperative pain. Identifying the cause, selecting treatment, and creating a care plan.
  • Internal medicine: heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system. Management of chronic conditions, symptom control, second opinions.
  • Pre- and postoperative care: risk assessment, decision-making support, follow-up after surgery, rehabilitation strategies.
  • General and paediatric surgery: hernias, appendicitis, congenital conditions, both planned and urgent surgeries.
  • Injuries and trauma: bruises, fractures, sprains, soft tissue damage, wound care, dressing, referral when in-person care is required.
  • Oncological surgery: diagnosis review, treatment planning, and long-term follow-up.
  • Obesity treatment and weight management: a medical approach to weight loss, including assessment of underlying causes, evaluation of comorbidities, development of a personalised plan (nutrition, physical activity, pharmacotherapy if needed), and ongoing progress monitoring.
  • Imaging interpretation: analysis of ultrasound, CT, MRI, and X-ray results, surgical planning based on imaging data.
  • Second opinions and medical navigation: clarifying diagnoses, reviewing current treatment plans, helping patients choose the best course of action.

Experience and qualifications:

  • 12+ years of clinical experience in university hospitals in Germany and Spain.
  • International education: Ukraine – Germany – Spain.
  • Member of the German Society of Surgeons (BDC).
  • Certified in radiological diagnostics and robotic surgery.
  • Active participant in international medical conferences and research.

Dr Yakovenko explains complex topics in a clear, accessible way. He works collaboratively with patients to analyse health issues and make evidence-based decisions. His approach is grounded in clinical excellence, scientific accuracy, and respect for each individual.

If you are unsure about a diagnosis, preparing for surgery, or want to discuss your test results – Dr Yakovenko will help you evaluate your options and move forward with confidence.

0.0 (0)
Doctor

Sviatoslav Chekhun

Oncology 13 years exp.

Dr. Sviatoslav Chekhun is a medical oncologist with international clinical and research experience, specializing in modern medical oncology and a personalized approach to cancer treatment.

Currently (since 2025), he works as a Medical Oncologist at Institut Català d’Oncologia (Girona, Spain). Previously, he completed his residency in Medical Oncology and was involved in clinical research at Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol.

Dr. Chekhun has a strong academic and scientific background. He served as a lecturer in Internal Medicine at O.O. Bohomolets National Medical University and conducted research in experimental oncology at the R.E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology.

Earlier in his career, he worked as a medical oncologist at the Kyiv City Clinical Oncological Center and contributed to regulatory evaluation of medicinal products at the State Expert Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

When to consult Dr. Chekhun:

  •  for diagnosis or clarification of a cancer diagnosis
  •  to obtain a second opinion on an existing treatment plan 
  •  when you need a personalized treatment strategy 
  •  for interpretation of test results, CT, MRI, PET-CT, and biopsies 
  •  when choosing between treatment options (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy) 
  •  in case of doubts about treatment strategy or disease progression 

Consultation format

Dr. Chekhun provides online consultations, where you can receive:

  •  expert second opinion 
  •  detailed case review 
  •  recommendations based on current international treatment guidelines 
  •  personalized treatment and follow-up plan 

Important:
Prescription and monitoring of medications must be carried out by your treating physician in an in-person (offline) setting. An online consultation does not replace a face-to-face visit but helps you make more informed decisions about your treatment.

Dr. Sviatoslav Chekhun combines clinical practice, research, and international experience, enabling him to provide patients with modern, evidence-based approaches in oncology.

5.0 (55)
Doctor

Anna Biriukova

General medicine 6 years exp.

Dr Anna Biriukova is an internal medicine doctor with clinical experience in cardiology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. She provides online consultations for adults, offering expert medical support for heart health, hormonal balance, digestive issues, and general internal medicine.

Cardiology – Diagnosis and treatment of:

  • High blood pressure, blood pressure fluctuations, and cardiovascular risk prevention.
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, arrhythmias (tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitations).
  • Leg swelling, chronic fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance.
  • EKG interpretation, lipid profile evaluation, cardiovascular risk assessment (heart attack, stroke).
  • Post-COVID-19 cardiac monitoring and care.
Endocrinology – Diabetes, thyroid, metabolism:
  • Diagnosis and management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes.
  • Individual treatment plans including oral medications and insulin therapy.
  • GLP-1 therapy– modern pharmacological treatment for weight management and diabetes control, including drug selection, monitoring, and safety follow-up.
  • Thyroid disorders – hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroid diseases (Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease).
  • Metabolic syndrome – obesity, lipid disorders, insulin resistance.
Gastroenterology – Digestive health:
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
  • Stomach and intestinal conditions: gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion.
  • Management of chronic digestive disorders and interpretation of tests (endoscopy, ultrasound, labs).
General internal medicine and preventive care:
  • Respiratory infections – cough, colds, bronchitis.
  • Lab test analysis, therapy adjustments, medication management.
  • Adult vaccinations – planning, contraindications assessment.
  • Cancer prevention – screening strategies and risk assessment.
  • Holistic approach – symptom relief, complication prevention, and quality of life improvement.
Dr Biriukova combines internal medicine with specialist insight, offering clear explanations, personalised treatment plans, and comprehensive care tailored to each patient.
0.0 (18)
Doctor

Antonio Cayatte

General medicine 44 years exp.

Dr Antonio Cayatte is a physician in General and Acute Medicine with over 30 years of experience across clinical care, medical research, and education. He offers online consultations for adults with a wide range of symptoms, both acute and chronic. His clinical background includes: 

  • assessment of sudden or unclear symptoms
  • ongoing care for chronic conditions
  • follow-up after hospital discharge
  • interpretation of test results
  • medical support while abroad

Dr Cayatte earned his degree from the University of Lisbon and taught internal medicine at Boston University School of Medicine. He holds active medical registrations in both Portugal and the UK and is a Fellow of the American Heart Association. Consultations are available in English and Portuguese. Patients value his clarity, professionalism, and balanced approach to evidence-based care.

Dr. Antonio Cayatte provides comprehensive care for a broad spectrum of common health concerns, including:

  • Respiratory & ENT: acute bronchitis, concerns related to pneumonia, sinusitis, tonsillitis, ear infections, sore throat conditions, and allergic rhinitis
  • Eye Health: allergic and infectious conjunctivitis, as well as red or irritated eyes
  • Digestive & Urinary: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, urinary tract infections, and cystitis
  • Chronic Conditions: hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and structured weight management planning
0.0 (0)
Doctor

Maria Martelli

Anaesthesiology 12 years exp.

Dr Maria Martelli is a medical doctor specialising in anaesthesiology and pain medicine. She provides online consultations for adults, focusing on the assessment and management of acute, chronic, and complex pain conditions, as well as supportive care in serious illness. She graduated from the Medical University of Silesia in Katowice and completed her specialisation in Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care. Alongside hospital work, she has extensive experience in home and inpatient hospice care, supporting patients with severe pain and advanced disease. Since 2021, she has been a certified specialist and continues to work in anaesthesiology, intensive care, and pain treatment. Patients consult her for: 

  • Chronic pain lasting more than 3 months (musculoskeletal, neuropathic, mixed pain).
  • Acute pain requiring medical assessment and treatment planning.
  • Post-operative pain and recovery support.
  • Cancer-related pain and symptom relief.
  • Palliative care support and quality-of-life improvement.
  • Adjustment and optimisation of pain medication.
  • Second opinions for complex or treatment-resistant pain.

Dr Martelli takes a structured, evidence-based approach, carefully analysing symptoms, previous treatments, and overall health status. Her consultations focus on realistic pain control goals, safety of therapy, and improving daily functioning. She is especially attentive to patients living with long-term pain or serious illness, providing clear explanations, compassionate guidance, and medically sound recommendations adapted to each individual situation.

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