Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive strain injuries from keyboard use, assembly line work, or sports accumulate in tendons, muscles, and nerves. A combined approach addressing both the local injury and the spinal biomechanics driving it achieves lasting results.

What Is Repetitive Strain Injury?

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an umbrella term for musculoskeletal conditions caused by repetitive movements, sustained postures, or awkward positions. Common RSIs include carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, medial and lateral epicondylitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and cervicobrachial syndrome. The repetitive loading exceeds tissue repair capacity, leading to cumulative microtrauma. Cervical spine subluxation frequently contributes by compressing the nerve roots supplying the affected extremity — increasing nerve susceptibility to compression at distal sites (double crush syndrome).

Common Symptoms

Gradual onset pain, aching, or burning in the affected area
Stiffness and reduced strength in the extremity
Numbness or tingling in the fingers or hands
Symptoms worsening during or after activity and improving with rest
Swelling and tenderness in tendons or muscle attachment points
Progressive limitation of work capacity

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Repetitive movements exceeding tissue recovery capacity
Cervical subluxation creating proximal nerve compression (double crush)
Poorly designed workstation ergonomics
Sustained awkward postures during prolonged tasks
Inadequate recovery time between repetitive loading cycles
Pre-existing tissue vulnerability from prior injury

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Repetitive Strain Injury

The 'double crush' concept — where cervical nerve compression proximal to a peripheral entrapment amplifies the peripheral injury — explains why treating the wrist or elbow alone often fails. Dr. Foss evaluates and treats the full kinetic chain: cervical spine, thoracic outlet, elbow, and wrist. Cervical corrections reduce the proximal neural burden. SoftWave therapy accelerates soft tissue healing at the local injury site. Ergonomic modification guidance and activity pacing prevent recurrence. This comprehensive approach resolves RSI where isolated local treatment has failed.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

SoftWave Therapy

Patented unfocused shock waves spread over a broad treatment area to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and activate stem cells — promoting cellular regeneration and long-term pain relief.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Repetitive Strain Injury?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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