Repetitive Strain Injury.

• Tendonitis, tenosynovitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome are all Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI)
• Occurs when muscles repeat movements with a high degree of harmful tension
• Understanding good technique as discussed in these chapters helps to prevent RSI

Three Areas of Cause for RSI

1. Practicing incorrect movements creates tension that form habits of harmful tension
2. "Pushing through the pain" consistently while playing; playing should not cause any pain
3. Allowing fatigue to move into an incorrect movement creating harmful tension

What to do?

Learn the signs of harmful tension while you play.

When signs appear, adjust your playing and learn new habits of correct movement.

Do your best to avoid the same habits that caused the tension.

See a doctor if the pain does not subside and you (and your teacher) feel there is no harmful tension being nurtured in you technique.

Note: Many times the guitar is not the main cause of the problem. Outside movements, like exercise or typing on a computer, can be the cause of the RSI and the guitar may be the catalyst of the injury already formed.