An alternative treatment for the pain of RSI

A complimentary health therapist from Bath is warning that employers need to start taking measures to prevent RSI - repetive strain injury - affecting their workforce. Hellie Mulvaney, trained in postural bodywork after recovering from RSI and is now helping others to recover from the painful condition. Hellie developed RSI five years ago while working on a computer. The condition became so painful that she couldn't even hold a pen and was eventually forced to leave her job. In fact six people lose their job every day due to RSI. Symptoms include tingling in the hands and wrists, sharp pain, weakness and loss of grip. Surgery and steroids are offers as the medical solution to debilitating wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome and RSI. But there are gentler approaches to this treatment. One alternative is vitamin an mineral supplements - specifically B vitamins which fortify the nerves. Another is Alexander Technique, a bodywork that improves posture and realigns the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems.

One in fifty workers report RSI but the RSIA says this is just the tip of the iceberg. Hellis said: "Everyone is at risk. And I should know. Within three months the pain had spread to both hands, up my arms, across my shoulders and neck. It was so bad I couldn't put on a jacket bcause of the weight on my shoulders. Using my hands got more and more painful."

After extended sick leave, she left her job. "For the first year my life change dramatically." she said. "I could do little with my hands and arms. Even holding the lightest object caused pain or delayed pain reactions. I depended on my husband for help with basic things like dressing, washing my hair, cooking and cuttin up my food. I drank from plastic cups as an ordinary mug was too heavy. I couldn't hold the phone or write. I was still in shock about the state I was in and found it hard to accept this was now my life. I withdrew from normal life and felt upset at having an invisible disability, and not being understood."

Hellie eventually visited Bath physiotherapist Colin Cook who was able to help. By stimulating Hellie's nerves and moving her arms he was able to monitor the pain she suffered over the next 24 hours. Although the treatment was not pleaseant, Hellie started to regain the use of her hands. She also learned about how we can cause or contribute to the condition through bad posture. RSI can be caused in a number of ways including sittin badly, putting strain on your neck and back, and holing your wrists awkwardly so that it strains your wrists.

Hellie added: "I had heard that the Alexander Technique helped you learn how you use your body, so I decided to try it and see what this offered. The lessons were a revalation. They were about using less effort to feel lighter and freer as a result. The Technique has an enourmous amount to offer someone recovering from RSI."

After managing to take back control of her life, Hellie, who is 48, started to train as a teacher of the Alexander Technique to help others. "I consider myself 98 per cent better," Hellie added. "I can dig the garden, carry heavy shopping, write as much as I want. Now, when I use the computer I take breaks and move. Having just qualified as an Alexander teacher I am now setting up my own business in Bath. I will be working mainly from home and hope to help others like me."

Hellie Mulvaney can be contacted on 01225 353397.