Comment RSI (Score 1) 415
RSI is a very, very complex issue - and the chances are that your co-worker's problems aren't caused by her hands or wrists at all. Much or most of what is called "RSI" is related to musculoskeletal/postural problems much higher up the body - usually around the shoulders, neck, and upper arm, where nerves and blood vessels pass from the trunk to the upper arm.
Most of the problems can be traced to postural issues, but they vary from person to person, so it's impossible to suggest a specific solution without a) being there and b) being a trained physio.
I'd suggest two things:
1) Get a physiotherapist with experience with RSI-type injuries (often called "work-related upper-limb disorders" in the profession these days) to see her and prescribe a course of exercise. Stretching and nerve-glide exercises can be of enormous help. The physio will also be able to give an informed idea as to what habits or postural issues are causing the problem.
2) Get a full ergonomic review of her workstation. Various people have already covered this. I know one person whose RSI was entirely cured by moving their monitor six inches right.
She might also find that a course on the Alexander Technique or Feldenkrais helps - or she might find it's as much use as a chocolate teapot. Mileage varies wildly with those techniques.
For more information on the subject, I'd heartily recommend "It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0965 510999?v=glance
Most of the problems can be traced to postural issues, but they vary from person to person, so it's impossible to suggest a specific solution without a) being there and b) being a trained physio.
I'd suggest two things:
1) Get a physiotherapist with experience with RSI-type injuries (often called "work-related upper-limb disorders" in the profession these days) to see her and prescribe a course of exercise. Stretching and nerve-glide exercises can be of enormous help. The physio will also be able to give an informed idea as to what habits or postural issues are causing the problem.
2) Get a full ergonomic review of her workstation. Various people have already covered this. I know one person whose RSI was entirely cured by moving their monitor six inches right.
She might also find that a course on the Alexander Technique or Feldenkrais helps - or she might find it's as much use as a chocolate teapot. Mileage varies wildly with those techniques.
For more information on the subject, I'd heartily recommend "It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/096
