It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!: RSI Theory and Therapy for Computer Professionals

by Suparna Damany, Jack Bellis, Martin Cherniack (Foreword by)

This guide offers computer users who suffer from repetitive strain injury (RSI) an effective program for self-care. It explains the symptoms, prevention, and treatment of RSIs and also addresses the often-overlooked root causes of RSIs. This holistic program treats the entire upper body with ergonomics, exercise, and hands-on therapy, increasing the likelihood that surgery and drugs may be avoided.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Reference, Self Help

234 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2001

Reviews

[Henrik Warne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this trying to get over RSI. While helpful, the most important changes for me was to start using a break program on the computer, and to use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse.

I have written more about how I overcame RSI here: https://henrikwarne.com/2012/02/18/ho...

[Robert Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

best starting guide for anyone experiencing pain at the computer.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic resource. Had to leave my job due to RSI issues and this book is helping me recover, Best information I have found. It gives you many areas to explore as there are many factors that lead to these type of issues.

And ultimately they're all important.

[Christie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This and trigger point massage were the only two things that improved the pain in my hands years ago. So glad I didn't have carpel tunnel surgery.

[Kyle Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for those suffering from RSI. Anyone who seeks out this book has likely already gone through the rigamarole of seeing specialists, physical therapists, and getting X-rays and MRIs, all to make little to no progress with their symptoms. By the time I read this book, I had already done all of these things and completely optimized my workstation to be as ergonomic as possible.

The authors of this book acknowledge the difficulty in diagnosing and dealing with RSI. The part about therapeutic massage and myofascial release was a breakthrough for me. After several months of working with a therapeutic massage therapist specializing in chronic pain, I was able to begin a legitimate strength training routine that further alleviated my symptoms. I also reduced some of the non-work-related activities that aggravated my RSI.

This is just my experience. Luckily for me, this book was able to set me on a path toward much milder symptoms. The book lays out many possible root causes for RSI symptoms and it could very well help you. At one point, I even considered seeing Dr. Damany at her practice in Pennsylvania, though I’m at a spot now with my symptoms where I no longer feel that is necessary. However, if you read this book and feel like that is something that you want to pursue, you can find her pricing on her website.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got me through a tough time in my life. Not a cure by any means, I am still a work in progress. But it helped me re-evaluate my understanding of my injuries: how I got there, how I was being treated by the Healthcare professionals, and how it is my responsibility to take charge. Emotionally it provided support that no one around me could understand -- unless you have had a workplace injury and been on disability. It is a horrible experience wrapped with a mix of fear, pain, anxiety, shame, depression, helplessness and a surprisingly large amount of GUILT. This book helped put those feelings into perspective in conjunction with regular doctors visits, PT and acupuncture.

[Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good holistic overview of the problems that are caused by working at a computer all day. I feel like it gave me insight into the specific problems I've been experiencing, which has been especially useful because my doctor couldn't be of much help. As the author notes, many general practitioners don't have enough experience in this area.

Unfortunately, this book is 15 years old and is a little dated. An updated edition is needed. But it gave me a starting point for further conversations and research.

[MissAnnThrope · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who suffers from the debilitating pain of RSI and has hit a brick wall with "medical professionals" this is a book you must own. This book is like having a best friend, who truly understands all the anguish associated with these injuries. It will make you feel like you're not alone and you CAN get better. Excellent book!

[Jonathan El-Bizri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book defines RSI in the most concise and direct way possible.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone who uses a computer needs to read this book, in my opinion. Better to learn more about RSI before developing symptoms (as I discovered!)

[Yulie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Next read "The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain" by Dr. John Sarno.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah the problems of working from home on not-great equipment. Sigh. Book was very helpful, I am feeling better!

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book saved me! Really!!