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Back Pain - Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) - DSE Assessments - Ergonomics
Massage, Skeletal realignment, Mobilisation, Postural Correction, Bespoke Stretches |
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Prevention, Treatment, and Management of RSI
Today’s statistics on the BBC website show that nearly 70% of households own computers – we are now all ‘computer athletes’, some starting at the tender ages of 5. Unfortunately, unlike other athletes, we choose to remain ignorant of a proper training regime, and therefore become potential victims of computer related repetitive strain injury (RSI) RSI is more widespread than most of us realise and yet there is limited awareness surrounding the condition.. Many sufferers may not even be aware of the signs yet 1 in 10 computer users will be affected by RSI and recent estimates by the Health & Safety Executive suggest work related issues like RSI are costing UK businesses over £1bn billion every year. Reading-based FixMe Ltd is on a mission to raise RSI awareness.
Diksha Chakravarti chose her line of work literally by accident – a prolapsed disc resulted in her suffering almost two years of relentless pain, innumerable x-rays and many sessions of physiotherapy. Nothing worked, and she faced the threat of major surgery. She ventured away from traditional medicine and explored complementary therapies instead. Fully recovered, and amazed at the transformation, she studied, massage, Reiki, myofascial release & , chiropractic with a view to helping others in the same position. . Today she can look back on almost 10 successful years practicing her unique blend of techniques that addresses the INDIVIDUAL rather than the condition.
Although Diksha can treat all musculo-skeletal aches and pains, it is the relatively recent complaint ‘RSI’ which Diksha is keen to raise awareness about. ‘More and more people are suffering with RSI or work-related upper limb disorders’ she explains. ‘What’s frightening is the number of patients presenting with ‘hidden’ RSI symptoms – they are unaware that they have a problem’.
Until now, there have been no practitioners specialising in the prevention, treatment, and management of RSI in the UK. Hitherto, patients with severe cases have been seeking treatment in India and the US, something which prompted Diksha to establish herself as a specialist in this area.
‘RSI requires a holistic approach’ she says. ‘Well designed workstations are important but what is equally important is to have correct posture and a well established Workstation Protocol ©’. Indeed Diksha has certificate in Essential Ergonomics from the Robens Institute (University of Guildford) and is fully competent to set up a workstation and display screen equipment (DSE) to minimise the effects of RSI. Her extensive knowledge & many years experience as a holistic healthcare practitioner places her in an strong position to advice on prevention, treatment & management of musculoskeletal problems, including RSI. She regularly advises SMEs and homeworkers in this respect.
Diksha is available to do talks, workshops, and seminars and regularly runs a 2 hour workshop session for businesses, typically taking place directly before or after the working day to enable all employees to attend and keep disruption to a minimum.
‘RSI is a recent phenomenon and as such, is not taken as seriously – but it should be. In June 2006, The Guardian newspaper ended up paying an employee over £37000 damages to settle an RSI claim made by her explains Diksha. ‘It does not need to come to this acrimonious end. Prevention is simple and effective: Chevron Texaco in the USA nearly halved computer related RSI injuries from a staggering 40% to 25% over 4 years by educating their workforce about RSI awareness and prevention, and providing truly ergonomic IT facilities. ‘Ultimately I would like to form a Guild of Practitioners. experienced, qualified and passionate about preventing & treating RSI and I would like it to include practioners from both mainstream and complementary medicine.’ If caught early enough, RSI is reversible but until awareness is raised, many at best will be faced with years of debilitating pain, and at worst, a loss of career and all the human costs associated with this.
Diksha Chakravarti is a registered massage practitioner & Bodyworker.. Her other qualifications include a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, MSc in Behavioural Neurophysiology, Diploma in Sports Massage & Injury Management - VTCT Level 3, Reiki (TeraMai school) – level 1, and Diploma in chiropractic.
She is a member of the British Complementary Medicine Association, Federation of Holistic Therapists, Association for Classical Manipulation, and BackCare, the national charity for healthier backs.
Testimonial:
Diksha's enthusiasm for good posture is infectious! Recently at a networking event she gently reminded me that I was standing awkwardly clutching a bag with one raised shoulder. It was one way to start a conversation. We ended up talking about home working and her advice on sitting at a desk on a good chair, with a footrest and the correct keyboard has been such a help. I needed a reminder that these 'rules' are as applicable in the home office environment as in a traditional office. I am not going to wait to the new year to make the resolution to sit correctly to work and her 'Workstation Protocol' will help to keep me sitting and working comfortably. Thank you, Diksha for all your advice and encouragement."
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