How to treat RSI

2. Get an accurate diagnosis of the condition. According to the RSI Association, the diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders doesn't feature highly in doctors' training, so don't be surprised if your GP knows little about RSI. A diagnosis must identify the specific condition or conditions, for example: tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder and so on. RSI conditions do not show up on X-rays, as only the soft tissues are affected. Speak to an appropriately experienced consultant.

3. There is no single effective treatment and it can be trial and error finding something that works for you. The usual first course of action is treatment with a physiotherapist with experience of treating RSI. As bloodflow is important, regular exercise can help. It is important to keep the damaged area mobile without aggravating the injury.

Complimentary therapies. Pain in the arm could be the result of an unrecognised neck problem, so treating the arm would be of little use. Once you have a proper diagnosis, treatments might include osteopathy, chiropractic, deep tissue massage, acupuncture, or short-term anti-inflammatory medication. Body training techniques such as yoga, Pilates, Alexander or Bowen, might be useful.

Take it slow. Complete recovery is essential before returning to work and a period of rehabilitation, with a gradual build-up of work to lessen the risk of repeated injury.

For a list of more than 6,000 complementary therapists, see the Dr Foster website: www.drfoster.co.uk