To Avoid RSI Problems, Especially if You Perform Repetitive and/or Static Flexion:

• Examine your work habits. Watch arm, wrist, hand, and finger positions. Avoid excessive hyperextension extension (bending the wrist up and back) and excessive hyper flexion (bending the wrist towards the palm) while working. Keep the forearm wrist and hand in a neutral (straight) position. (If your work involves the use of a computer Mouse, utilize the XTENDA-MOUSE in order to help keep the wrist in the anatomically correct "neutral" position.)
• Be careful of all pinching, grasping and gripping actions.
  
• Redesign your work habits. Think about what you are asking you body to do. Make the work as easy on your frame as possible.
  
• Take frequent breaks while performing rapid and repetitive or physically stressful tasks. (If you work on a computer, try using this great FREE program, which reminds you to take breaks at set intervals.)
  
• Locking of any one of the fingers in the flexed downward position into the palm of the hand - usually caused by an adhesion(s) that has formed on the tendon. As the finger is flexed downward, the tendon slides through the pulleys and the tendon sheath, and becomes locked into the palm of the hand due to the inability of the adhesion to "fit" back through the tendon sheath and/or pulleys when the finger is extended.
• Working with the hands and arms elevated can cause Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
  
• ??Invest in good work chairs that match worktable height. Chair should support back. Feet should be flat on floor or on a solid footrest. (The Back Seat helps reduce compression of the lumbar spine while sitting at work, home or even while driving!)
  
• Stretching and strengthening exercises are very good. Stretching and strengthening exercises improve blood circulation and lubricates the tendons. Never stretch or exercise to the point of pain or discomfort.
  
• It is best to correct poor work habits before manifesting symptoms.
  
  

To Help Prevent RSI's When Working at a Computer or Typewriter:

• Choose working positions and good ergonomic chairs, keyboards and office set-up / configurations which are comfortable. Keep hands and wrists in a relaxed neutral position. Avoid severe flexion of the wrist. Consider using office equipment and tools based on an ergonomic design. (The ErgoMagicKeyboard has been designed to reduce strain to the hands and wrists.)
  
• Diminish stress from excessive pinching and pressing finger postures by utilizing ergonomic pens / pencils, and ergonomic keyboards that require minimal pressure application for transmition of keystrokes. (The ErgoKeyboard helps reduce strain to the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders, and is specifically designed to fit any body type, left or right hand.)
  
• When using writing utensils (Pens, Pencils, Paint brushes, etc.) work with a relaxed grip.
  
• Configure your workspace according to ergonomic guidelines. Adjust monitor height, keyboard position, and chair height to minimize stress on your musculoskeletal system. (The ErgoRest is a wonderful tool, which helps reduce strain of the upper extremity.)
  
• Keep wrists in neutral position; don't drop your wrists while working.
  
• Use a good quality chair, which supplies proper support.