Performing Arts

Though RSI is commonly perceived to be a recent phenomenon, it is certainly not confined to computer users. In fact most industrial and manufacturing activities throughout the ages, which have involved any form of repetitive movement, have had their own overuse syndromes. Soft tissue injuries to muscles, tendons and nerves in the hand, arms, neck and shoulders are known by a variety of names. Tenosynovitis, for example, is a recognised industrial injury for occupations involving frequent or repeated movements of the hand or wrist.
 
A whole range of popular terms exist to describe musculoskeletal problems associated with particular occupations or tasks; writer's cramp, housemaid's knee, gamekeeper's thumb, tennis elbow and, more recently, pizza-cutter's wrist and Nintendonitis.
 
Performers may face the following risk factors which can contribute to the development of RSI; repetitive movements, prolonged sitting, particularly if there is poor posture, and insufficient rest breaks between practice sessions or performances.