Anyone suffer from repetitive stress injuries?

[k2mills]

Hello,

I believe I may have RSI in my hands/wrists. My rheumatologist confirmed I have osteoarthritis in my hands as well. I experience pain in my hands during my weight workouts just from holding the dumbbells. His advice is to stop lifting weights!! (yeah, right - not an option). I have a consultation with a chiropractor tomorrow, but wondered if anyone else suffered from this condition and what their experience has been? I'm interested in natural methods such as therapy, stretches, etc - not popping pills the rest of my life.

TIA,
Kathy

 

[ColleenM]

I have chronic neck pain and bilateral carpal tunnel. I got frustrated and gave up all working out a few years ago. At the time, I could barely hold my toothbrush to brush my teeth. With a lot of patience, physical therapy and learning what works for me, I can now lift weights but I still only use 3, 5 and 8 lb dumbbells...but it's something. When I started back a few years ago, I couldn't even hold the 3 lb dumbbell for more than a few minutes without my hands going numb. I use chiropractic, physical therapy and yoga stretching to help keep my hands from getting aggravated. I am slowly weaning off pain pills and muscle relaxants and it's a long process. Hopefully a chiropractor or good physical therapist can help you figure out what moves to modify, etc. and you can still lift weights.

Colleen

 

[k2mills]

Hi Colleen,

Glad to hear of your progress. I got very lucky - the chiro manipulated my hands & wrists and gave me some good stretches to try. Then the occupational therapist at the same office showed me some ways to modify how I was holding the weights and recommended wrist supports. They also gave me electro-therapy on each wrist. I don't know what did the trick (or the combination) but I am feeling results already! I know I'm not cured, but am happy to get relief
Kathy

 

[Jane P]

I think there are some hooks you can buy that you strap to your wrists and will help you hang onto the weights without straining your hands. Go to the ask Cathe forum and ask her. Proper wrist support is also very important. Good luck