A holiday from RSI
I was over in Spain last month and it is always great getting a good solid break from the computer. But I know that’s all it is; a break. It’s very easy to think that a week or two might be enough for your damaged nerves and muscles to start repairing and rebuilding themselves but it’s not. The break is great – but don’t expect anything more – it’s just a break. When you get back to your computer, you will be right back where you left off, with the same old aches and pains – and maybe even worse if you’ve also taken a break from your exercise routine.
I’ve read about this in various books too, people have actually gone on sick leave and holed themselves in bed for the duration, thinking this will be some sort of cure, whereas not using those nerves and muscles is the worst thing you can do.
So keep it in mind,; unless we’re talking about a very prolonged period is only a brief reprise, enjoy your break, maybe even use the extra time to strengthen your body – just don’t expect any miracles when you’re back from the hols.
June 29th, 2009 at 1:19 am
For a holiday post, or even a general post I think that is so uninspiring to read. I believe in being realistic with recovery. I also know that a holiday is a perfect time to commit to returning to a solid plan of rehabilitation. This is exactly what I did before Christmas last year on my break and have, in the last 6 months reduced my daily chronic pain to minimal disruption of my work life. Changes where required, I made them and stuck to them.
I’m no genious – just wanted to share that mindset is SOOOO important! You have to be clear in the mind to achieve recovery and a holiday is a perfect starting point… today is a perfect starting point
June 29th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Hi Josh, thanks for the comment – I didn’t mean it to be so negative. When I didn’t know any better, I used to expect a lot more from a holiday, and I would have found it useful to know otherwise.
So like you hinted I just wanted to be realistic. Indeed – come back from your holday with a fresh mind just don’t expect a new body. Maybe I’ll edit the post to be a bit more positive.
July 7th, 2009 at 1:25 am
I agree… often a holiday can be seen as a ‘At last I can get away from this body’ experience. It’s the same body coming back from holiday, often to the same repetitive tasks… so give it some care and rehabilitation and it will thank you.
PS. Thanks for the Powerball introduction – brilliant and addictive.
September 17th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
hi, r u cured of it now??????????????///
m very worried about it now…………
September 17th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Hi Sachin
I’m not cured. Don’t think I’ll ever be 100% pain free but I’m actually going though a really good patch at the moment. Not having much trouble at the moment. Did you have a good look around the site?
All the advice I could give you is on the site. I’d recommend starting here: http://www.beatingrsi.com/start-here-top-tips/
And get yourself a decent book on RSI. I’d recommend ‘It’s not carpal tunnel syndrome’. HAve been meaning to write a review of that.