What is Ergonomics?
The word ergonomics comes from the Greek words ERGOS (work) and NOMOS (natural law/system). It is the application of scientific knowledge to the workplace in order to improve the well being and efficiency of both the individual and the organization. (National Research Council of Canada)

Repetitive Strain Injuries
What is a Repetitive Strain Injury?
An RSI is an injury caused by overusing muscles and bones - the musculoskeletal system - through repeated movement that stresses the system. Other names for RSI type injuries include Cumulative Trauma Disorder and Repetitive Motion Injury.

What causes RSIs?
RSIs are associated with a number of conditions.
These include:

Repetitive Strain Injuries
Symptoms of RSIs
The symptoms of an RSI injury may range from a “slight sense of discomfort” to “extreme pain”. The symptoms may appear long after performing the activity and the first signs may be subtle and mild.
They include:

• Pain, dull ache.
• Loss of sensation (numbness), especially at night.
• Aches/pains which may be worse at night.
• Tingling and burning sensations.
• Swelling around the wrist/hand.
• Dry shiny palm.
• Pins and needles discomfort.
• Clumsiness (loss of ability to grasp items, impaired thumb and finger dexterity).
• Muscle weakness and fatigue.
• Muscle spasm.
• Joint restriction/loss of movement.
• A ‘crackling’ feeling when swollen tendons are pressed tightly.
• A cyst-like swelling or node near a tendon or joint known as a ganglion.