What are /r/RSI's favorite Products & Services?

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

Absolutely. Kinesis Advantage keyboard. Saved my career: https://www.amazon.com/Kinesis-Advantage2-Ergonomic-Keyboard-KB600LFQ/dp/B07K1SMRGS/ref=asc_df_B07K1SMRGS/

Other things I do that my physical therapist said: - Get up every 30min and walk for 5min. It’s actually pretty great, I love that one.

• hand stretches 3x day (YouTube them)

• left handed ergo mouse. Don’t use the laptop’s mouse pad, and don’t use a normal mouse. Ergo means basically vertical. Left hand because it’s not your dominant, so do right hand if you’re a lefty.

My personal biggest help: - smaller phone. We hold this thing all the time, I get the most pain from holding a big phone.

My best recommendation is to get familiar with AutoHotkey. With it you could create combination that would simulate a middle mouse click. It’s an RSI sufferers best friend.

get ideas from r/nosurf and buy a device like this. relying on willpower doesn't work

I use my trackpad for computer activities constantly. However, I use a stylus like these ones: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IHBVGOM?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder-t1_ypp_rep_k0_1_3&amp=&crid=1762HNSVLE17&amp=&sprefix=sty

These styluses also work on tablets and smartphones.

Holding a pen/stylus is much easier on my hand than using a regular mouse or fingertips on the trackpad.

I am also hunting for the same thing. Saw an ad for a small Japanese scroll wheel but it is not available ( https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B09Q5CYDKW )
I'm currently using a Kensington Orbit trackball with my feet, but the keyboard arrow keys do not satisfactorily replace a scroll bar/wheel and the integral wheel is too small to use with my toes.
I am looking for an oversize mouse that is not too expensive where I can disable the buttons and just use the scroll wheel.

I feel like something that really works should not be too difficult to engineer. Enough coders have RSI problems that this would probably sell well ...

You might have some trigger points causing referred pain. Check out this book: Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief (A New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1608824942/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_51X1DNTWTARTNSBVE1S4

I think the custodial job will involve more motions that utilize your whole body and fewer find movements. That seems like a good change.

I really feel you about the art. That was the scariest part of it all, when I could barely use my hands. I liked this book a lot. I'm bummed there's no ebook option, I would share with you if I could. Happy to share other resources tho related to tissue work and resolving pain, let me know if you're interested.

In my experience keyboard trays are hit or miss.

They're excellent if you're main task is keyboard typing. You can position the tray down to your lap and this takes a lot of tension of your shoulders. You can also negatively tilt the tray for prolonged typing for better wrist posture.

If your main task involves using the mouse it may not be good. Problem is most keyboard trays are too small to accommodate both the keyboard and mouse depending on how you use them.

I found that I like to push the keyboard out of the way when I mouse and it's a bit hard to do that with a keyboard tray. I found the mousing platforms were a bit akward to use.

It's worth trying because you may really like it depending on your computer tasks.

I found some really good ones on Amazon from this company gold tray:

GoldTray TLMP Adjustable Height Keyboard Tray with Negative Tilt and Mouse Platform https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MGCGY8Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XYHCPP2EGJFWBAQWB4A3

GoldTray LS27 Adjustable Height Keyboard Tray with Negative Tilt and Lateral Slide https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MGC52CL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_90MS9FDQC724NV87649C

The Mindbody Prescription wasn’t a magical cure for me like some others claim, but it did help reduce my stress in relation to my pain. The reduction in stress and increased hope has given me more endurance and a small reduction in pain, but that’s it.

I really don’t think my situation has anything to do with repressed emotions or rage, I just have chronic poor posture of 10+ years causing pain and other issues. I think it’s super important to stay hopeful, reduce stress in relation to your body, focus on good posture, look into trigger point therapy if you have very tight and painful muscles, and build strength. You can supplement self applied trigger point therapy with stretching.

Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief The Anatomy of Stretching, Second Edition: Your Illustrated Guide to Flexibility and Injury Rehabilitation

i’ve found this book helpful to understand common knee pain and exercises to address it. basically most knee pain is caused by instability, which is exacerbated by weak muscles. it can be improved by strengthening your quads and hip flexors. i’ve also started strengthening my hamstrings because i’ve read that can help

that being said, your injury could be different (i wouldn’t call my knee pain an RSI), so definitely speak to a doctor and physical therapist

If you can get it through your company, request a motorised sit/stand desk as well as a vertical mouse, and a split keyboard.

Changing position as often as possible will help interrupt your repetitive actions, and standing for short periods is great for your posture.

A split keyboard allows you to position your hands in the most neutral positions. If you can get one that tents (angled upwards like a vertical mouse so your forearms aren't as rotated), even better.

Also check out some break timer software to help prevent you from typing/mousing for too long in the same position without stopping. Workrave is great, but there are tons out there to match your needs (e.g. https://alternativeto.net/software/workrave/).

I loveee my vertical mouse! It really helped keep my hand in a comfortable resting position and decrease strain. Mine is the MX Vertical by Logitech.

Lol that’s exactly what I said. I was so skeptical. But he was walking proof of it and I’d tried everything else. It’s really still weird to even say out loud. Sounds like witchcraft or something.

Healing Back Pain

These were my favorite. Soft, no weird compression spots. Not needlessly long. Straps are easy to use. You can fairly easily cut a slit into it so you can take the metal brace in/out. They're supportive even without it.

Perhaps your RSI is neuroplastic pain since you say you can't find a structural cause?

I'm reading a book called The Way Out about it: https://www.amazon.com/Way-Out-Revolutionary-Scientifically-Approach/dp/B088P52JDY

I think it's definitely worth seeking a second opinion, the second physio I saw had much better insight than the first.

One of the first things they told me was to stop all stretching. Doing too many static stretches can aggrevate tendons if they're injured, and they need rest to heal. I don't know exactly what you're doing, but maybe try replacing longer static holds with shorter dynamic stretches (1-3 second holds max), and not doing the same stretches day after day (alternating every other day for example).

Something I've had a little success from lately is trying to reduce stress in my daily life. I've found if I meditate and can stay positive, my pain level comes down a bit. It's not a cure but something that might help you manage while going through your physical therapy/physical treatment.

The main treatment I'm doing now is postural improvement, my physio thinks my hand/wrist/arm pain could mostly stem from compressed nerves in my neck and shoulders due to poor posture.

Something else that may help is using break software on your computer, something that reminds/forces you to take regular micro-breaks, and longer breaks every now and then. I use workrave, but it's PC only. Here are some alternatives including options for Macs: https://alternativeto.net/software/workrave/ This was a game changer for me as I could be absorbed for 30-40+ minutes doing heavy mouse/keyboard work non-stop, which is obviously not good for us RSI sufferers!

I bought a few but this was first one I bought, had the most impact from what I remember:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mind-Body-Prescription-John-Sarno/dp/0446675156

See the reviews, a couple of people in there with RSI who have been cured.

You might have trigger points somewhere either in the neck or arms that need to be massaged out. This book has been a game changer:

Trigger Point Therapy Workbook:... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1608824942?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

My advice is similar to u/trextyper on trigger points/myofascial pain syndrome.

Sounds like you may have trigger points in your neck, back, and possibly other areas. Do you have a lot of tightness or pain in those areas? I'm currently dealing with painful, stiff and weak arms and hands (2 years), and I suffer from chronic neck and back tightness and pain (10+ years). No amount of exercises and stretching has helped me because my muscles are very tight, contracted and shortened, so I discovered I most likely need to release the knots first.

I'm currently reading a very helpful book called The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook: Your Self-Treatment Guide for Pain Relief (paperback recommended due to large sized pages and important pictures). You will definitely find this helpful if you think you may have trigger points.

I hope this has helped in some way. Good luck!

I have also suffered from RSI, and still do sometimes, and i wanted to share my tips with you. Try to take frequent breaks get up from your desk every 25 minutes. Do some stretches also every 25 minutes.

To remind myself i use this peace of opensource software: http://www.workrave.org/

It doesn't matter what you do, going to the bathroom, get some water, have a little chat. I can't stress enough how important it is!

In your free time you can go to the pool and swim lanes, it will strenghten your core and allow to sit for longer periods of time, 50 min should be the absolute max you can sit.

I believe there are some special excersies part of aqua aerobics that help your muscle relax even more than you can without water.

As last tip i can give you to train your hands and wrists. There is special equipment that you can squeeze to train your hand-strength. Don't go to heavy on your wirsts, it's a very weak muscle.

Hope you get better soon!

Dota 1 and TF2 is what gave me tendinosis.

Just sayin.

I would find another game, or quit games before it affects your work.

Pushups are better than pull-ups because you don't really grip.

That's why I can do handstands without a problem.

Just don't go beyond your average activity.

Get Workrave (http://www.workrave.org/), and check your statistics and clicks for the day.

It's been only a week. I am trying two, the cat-cow stretches (https://www.ecosia.org/images?q=cat+cow+stretch) and the other is where I am on the floor on my chest and I raise my head with the shoulders slightly for 10 seconds. I have it will change something, but my combination that helps me in general is splints+changing keyboards+taking breaks.

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Have you checked if you have carpel tunnel syndrome?

i developed RSi in my early teens from working as a meatpacker/slave labor for narcissistic parents. now, im my 50s, i just limp along and have a good staff under me at The Yob. one ting i can recommend to you 2, actually is 6000mg of MSM daily (buy it on amazon) it helps greatly over time wit inflammation. and get yourself a WP900 black and decker on Amazon and use it daily, at least twice when you are actively working. keeping the muscles loose and fluid at all times is the goal. you can find vids about the wp900 on youtube. https://www.amazon.com/DECKER-6-Inch-Random-Polisher-Renewed/dp/B07KXCLQXS/ref=sr\_1\_3?crid=2QOS5EXZITI4O&dchild=1&keywords=wp900+black+and+decker&qid=1634338217&sprefix=wp900%2Caps%2C204&sr=8-3

I highly recommend the Jelly Comb KE68. It is a high-quality ergonomic keyboard with full-size keys and a numeric keypad on the right side, but with a narrower profile than most keyboards to reduce mouse reach distance.

If you really don't care to have a numeric keypad, the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard is a solid ergonomic keyboard with a detached numeric keypad you can place anywhere or put away.

I would recommend this title. There's definitely a mental shift required, but there's a fair bit of literature out there about disabled sex if you look for it. Of course disabilities vary widely but motor disabilities are quite common, just gotta look outside of the RSI label.

I use talon and this instead of a mouse

https://www.amazon.com.au/Wireless-Keyboard-W1-Multifunctional-Projector/dp/B0787Z1C2G

Talon lets you click using voice, eg "touch", "righty", etc. There's a learning curve but it helps a lot.

I also found retraining myself to sleep on my back instead of side fixed my back pain.

Good luck!

You’re welcome. Basically, the below book and the above link are what helped me the most. And journaling as per the book.

The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain https://www.amazon.com/dp/0446675156/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_NMDRGBR5BE9WHGMCXWY1

I’m sorry, I totally know the struggle. After years of dealing with RSI pain, I finally found a solution that has allowed me to work and heal at the same time: Self applied trigger point massages, which I learned how to do from this book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1608824942?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I promise you, read this book and Follow the directions and you will feel much better.

I had to give up all my hobbies too but now I feel free again. Good luck and don’t give up hope!!

these are great.

Two pairs of inexpensive, high quality arthritis gloves. Don't get them too tight or anything, but they are exactly perfect for what you seem to be looking for.

Just a recommendation for something that has helped me very much with RSIs and hand pain... trigger point therapy on the forearm.

Thank you, this is a great suggestion, So like compression gloves but just for the fingers – if you don't mind me asking what stretches do you do/Do you find help the most?

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Found these guys, I have relatively slender hands (male), do you know if you'd go for the large or the small?

https://www.amazon.com/NatraCure-Cushion-Sleeves-Small-Trim/dp/B078YDJRXF

This vertical mouse really helped me. https://www.amazon.co.uk/3M-EM500GPS-Optical-Ergonomic-Buttons/dp/B000F2BP7U There are other more modern vertical mouses that are probably just as good, but this 3M one was my life-saver!

Also using dwell software to produce clicks helped further https://bltt.org/using-mouse-dwell-instead-of-clicking/

Also, using voice recognition to dictate as much computer work as possible.

Have you tried anything like that?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S9JXQP2?pd_rd_i=B07S9JXQP2&pd_rd_w=FSuPD&pf_rd_p=51cf0d17-50cf-4c89-b1a7-606703cfac11&pd_rd_wg=c6DfF&pf_rd_r=NT6N6HB0A10YXDXREXC2&pd_rd_r=cc467296-74a5-4a96-81b5-b14243b14a93

This gooseneck one is my preferred one because it allows you to adjust to whatever angle you want to use that/height, however you have to attach it to the table you want to use that so best for a desk or table that your at a lot, otherwise you can use a table top one (I own one of each) amazon.com/Height-Adjustable-LISEN-Aluminum-Compatible/dp/B07Z82895W/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=phone+stand&qid=1617324519&sr=8-5

I didn't buy the one I have, I think I must have picked it up at work years ago.

Here's a link to one that looks almost identical though: https://www.amazon.co.uk/iDream365-Universal-Screens-Smartphones-Tablets-2-Black-Gold-Pearl-White/dp/B087N23KMF/

I used to prop it up on a stack of textbooks, but then I caved in and bought an adjustable height one. so worth it

wouldn't say i've beat it, but i'm a long way from where I was! I spun my wheels for a long time looking for specific fixes, but i'm having much more success working around it - focusing on general fitness & fulfillment. rest, stretches and ice/heat are a huge help, but radical change & pattern disruption are my long term tools to beat pain programming/conditioning. chronic pain with no obvious cause is a tough battle, but a holistic approach is the best approach, to me. don't etch stories in stone, mind the language you use when discussing your condition. belief is a great healer. believe in yourself and the pain-free person you want to be and all of a sudden that future is within reach.

here's the pedals on amazon. they're sort of set on a fulcrum and need only a little bit of force to engage them. they work well for me! best of luck <3

It’s not carpal tunnel syndrome is a very popular book.

It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!: RSI Theory and Therapy for Computer Professionals https://www.amazon.com/dp/0965510999/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_R492Fb97C61MF

You might check it out, but also, she does remote appointments (I just made one today).

this is never explained to you ,but here it goes. all muscular pain is based in a lack of oxygenated blood getting to it. so keep that in mind. i have suffered for more years and many of you have been alive. and the 2 tings i recommend to you are the Armaid (Terry is a great guy) and a WP900 from amazon. here is a link tot he WP900 on Amazon. followig will be alink to a YouTube vid on using the WP900. it is incredibly powerful and should serve you well. https://www.amazon.com/DECKER-WP900-6-Inch-Random-Polisher/dp/B000077CPT/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&amp;keywords=wp900&amp;qid=1607840539&amp;sr=8-3

i has ulnar nerve problems for many years and i could not wear my wedding ring for more than a few minutes without the ring finger spasming/giving me The Business. after i starting using the WP900 they subsided as i shook the nerve loose form whatever was impinging it. i recommend getting one. they are only $35 from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000077CPT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1

I have this chair: Boss Office

And I bought arm chair cushions to raise the arms and give me arm support.

As far as ergonomics, The most important thing is the arm support. It supports your shoulders and reduces pressure on nerves throughout shoulder. And also recommend doing chest/pec stretches throughout the day. Another common compression site.

my issues have not been as long (just a month and a bit) but how about hand exercises, perhaps with a kit like this? it's just something minor to do throughout the day. I like the hand gripper myself.

no. you have minor level nerve impingement in several locations. i had this and it eventually got to where the test was positive but it took over a year o it getting worse. for anybody with hand/arm/neck/shoulder RSI, i would recommend a WP900 for self-care. i have given away no less than 10 of these in the last 4 months to people i know and have met online. they all called it a game changer for their care and recovery. the WP900 is THE most powerful tool in the toolbox for dealing with soft tissue injuries. here is the link to Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/DECKER-WP900-6-Inch-Random-Polisher/dp/B000077CPT/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&amp;keywords=wp900&amp;qid=1602200891&amp;sr=8-1

For moving the mouse hands free I've used a free app called eviacam a lot, it tracks your face position using a webcam and works really well. If you are clicking with your feet as well then no need for your hands at all. Not sure about good brands for a foot clicker, I used some cheap USB foot pedals off amazon (like this one) which has 3 pedals for left/middle/right clicks, worked fine for me.

This is the one that I use which is pretty light: Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse, 800 / 1200 /1600 DPI, 5 Buttons for Laptop, Desktop, PC, Macbook - Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BIFNTMC/

Yeah, I've had that, still do sometimes. I've found nothing with training helps that specifically, deadlifts makes my hands feel really good (and maybe that includes my forearms, so try that). I'd massage, stretch and rest if I was you. If you can't take a break from work for 2 weeks of no computer usage, then you'll need to make changes in your workspace so you do mouseclicks in other ways.

https://www.amazon.com/USB-Foot-Switch-Keyboard-Pedal/dp/B008MU0TBU

Yes, note the title - "and Other repetitive Strain Injuries"

I also highly recommend Pain Free by Pete Egoscue. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0553379887/

This book and Sharon's book are both good for explaining the causes of such problems, as well as giving solutions.

Check out this book: Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Repetitive Strain Injuries - Sharon Butler https://www.amazon.com/dp/1572240393/

More info here: http://www.terryslade.com/hands.htm

You can fix this yourself. It is a matter of stretching and working to explore your own body. Pain Free by Pete Egoscue is also an excellent book. The worst thing you can do is go to a doctor. They will prescribe pain medication, which does nothing to fix the problem. Then they will recommend surgery, which may give immediate relief, but to some extent "cripples you for life". (Chinese proverb - "When healing patient, better not to use knife")

It may not be quick or easy, but you can fix this.

Although this is a short booklet i found it very useful: http://www.amazon.com/Why-Do-Hurt-Adriaan-Louw/dp/0985718625

At some point there is nothing wrong with your arms and everything that is wrong is the hypersensitivity/pain threshold of your arms/connections to your brain. this book talks about that and can help you start to overcome that.

This is NOT a scam. Sharon Butler is one of the top experts in the world on upper body RSI. She is the author of this book: Conquering Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Repetitive Strain Injuries.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1572240393/

Check out the reviews there. I suggest just get this book. You can get a used copy very cheap at Amazon. She later developed the programs she sells on her website since she found that most people don't have the patience to figure out how to apply the information in the book to their specific situation (even though it is carefully written to be very user-friendly). So the programs on her website are very specific instructions for very specific conditions. I struggled with hand problems after starting to do yardwork 16 years ago. Using a weedeater caused me to be unable to bend my fingers every night. I tried many things. One of the stretches in her book was the most useful thing in my healing, along with the general understanding from reading the first section in the book. In the 2 years that I was intensely focused on fixing my hand problems, I corresponded a bit with Sharon. She is a certified Hellerworker and has a lot of experience helping people with RSI problems. Just look around on her website and you can see that there is a lot of information and understanding there. But I would suggest that the book is probably all you really need. I think her programs used to be $35, so I was surprised to see the price at $97. But she has been at this awhile and I trust that she has priced it where she needs it to be. But again, her book can give you all you need, and you can get it for a few dollars. I have several copies and often loan them to people. I also like Pain Free by Pete Egoscue. I have some pages on my website with more info: http://www.terryslade.com/hands.com

You don't need to completely avoid using it, but switch immediately to the other hand if there's discomfort.

Another reminder:

Make sure your wrist is neutral (no flexion or extension).

http://i.imgur.com/vypL53j.gif

In regards to feeling discomfort when you're resting your wrist on the table:

Unless you're so close to the table where your elbow is on the surface, I think that there's some exertion required to keep your wrist on the surface.

An example of a bad position would be if you're far away from the surface, and your wrists are hanging on the edge.

(That's why I'm eventually going to switch from a keyboard tray to an adjustable desk, and keyboard slide with a custom sized tray.

http://www.amazon.com/Keyboard-Slide-Extension-Steel-Set/dp/B00AHFRUHE

I want more of my forearm on a surface, and a stock tray isn't deep enough.

I have a bad back, which is why I like stiff and non-adjustable chairs.

If you have an adjustable chair, then it should be fine since you can use a regular table ).

Find a better resting position for the right hand.

Try:

Maybe have more of your right forearm on the surface.

Have it the table, but don't rest it on a mouse (there's some wrist extension involved when it's on the mouse).

Have the right arm by your side.

Do you notice numbness/tingling more in some parts of the hand (such as the top or base of the Palm or in certain fingers).

Dr. Scott Fried has a routine in his book: http://www.amazon.com/Carpal-Tunnel-Helpbook-Self-Healing-Alternatives/dp/0738204552/

Nerve flexing is more of a stopgap measure to prevent you from becoming worse. Of course I still recommend only using the routine under the supervision of a physical therapist or chiropractor.

The only mouse that substantially helped me: 3M Optical USB Ergonomic Mouse, Wired, 3 Buttons

http://www.amazon.co.uk/3M-Optical-Ergonomic-Mouse-Buttons/dp/B00008KWWF/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1410188146&amp;sr=8-8&amp;keywords=rsi+mouse

By mueller sleeve do you mean this one?: http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Sleeve-Neoprene-provides-wraparound/dp/B001IEXQZ8

Or this one?: http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-Wrist-Brace-splint-Black/dp/B000RZHPOM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1397535382&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=muller+wrist+brace