photo credit: Rodriago

Wearing a big heavy watch?  I found that removing my watch helped with my RSI rehabilitation.  A big fat watch will just weigh down your arm and increase pressure when typing.

photo credit: daisybush

I remember overhearing another patient’s problems, who was being treated next to me.  She brought in her handbag and the therapist suggested she lighten her TEN pound bag.

So if you are having RSI or carpal tunnel syndrome and carry around a big bag, lighten your load.  Carrying around a heavy bag will only exacerbate your problems.

I have found that vacation (or weekends) are the best time to heal from RSI or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Some tips:

1) Do not use the computer at ALL

2) Try to minimize carrying heavy items

3) Use rolling luggage or backpacks

4) Have someone else carry your items. Porters, Spouse, etc.

5) Keep doing your exercises on the road

6) Bring your night time splints on the trip

7) Try not to drive

photo credit: Akajos

Research has indicated that massage helps with pain from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or RSI. I have personally tried this many times with poor results.  The problem may be that many massage therapists do not know how to lightly work on the affected areas.  After a massage my hands would feel like I typed far too long. It would take a day or two for me to recover.  I have since told them to omit any area from my forearms to my hands.

The Microsoft Natural Ergo Keyboard 4000 is a popular low cost ergonomic keyboard.

The goal is to have each wrist on top of the keyboard without twisting the wrist. Everyone has a slightly different distance between each hand, but this keyboard has a fixed width and angle between both sides. One size fits all.

I prefer this Kinesis Freestyle solo Keyboard instead.