Sick leave for RSI syndrome
In case of acute complaints and pain episodes, a sick note can be issued.Repeated and prolonged sick leave is also within the scope of the legally permitted possibilities. If the complaints do not improve despite changes in equipment and sitting posture at the workplace and there are repeated phases of incapacity to work, then the attending physician and the employer should be consulted to find possibilities for other employment and retraining options to avoid occupational disability.
Diagnosis
For many of those affected, a diagnosis is only made after many doctors from different fields have visited the clinic. In addition to tendosynovitis, blockages and pinched nerves in the neck area are often identified as the reason for the complaints. The basic problem with an RSI syndrome is that the commonly used diagnostic tools such as X-rays, CT and MRI cannot provide an organic cause. Mostly the diagnosis of RSI syndrome is made by a physician with background knowledge, based on the collection of symptoms and the medical history.
Which doctor treats RSI syndrome?
In principle, the diagnosis of RSI syndrome can be made by the family doctor or a general practitioner. However, it is often difficult to classify the symptoms and a referral to an orthopedist or surgeon is necessary. Unfortunately, even in this case, the appropriate diagnosis is not always made. It can therefore be helpful to find other people with RSI or to search for an expert for the syndrome yourself. In addition, it may be helpful to consult a physiotherapist or other therapists in the field of the musculoskeletal system.
Chances of recovery
A cure for the RSI syndrome is possible. This requires a conscious and regular therapy, which requires a lot of personal responsibility from the patient. Even after many years, stretching and strength exercises must be performed at the desk after long periods of work.
Even after a long time without pain, many patients still feel abnormalities in the forearms and hands, which remind them of the RSI syndrome. If the patient falls back into old posture and work patterns, the pain may reoccur. In summary, it can be said that with self-discipline and therapeutic support a good and pain-free quality of life can be achieved.