Repetitive Strain Injury : A Computer User's Guide

Rating:
Summary: Good comprehensive introduction to RSI.
Review: "Repetitive Strain Injury: A Computer User's Guide" by Pascarelli is a good introduction for those who know nothing about RSI. Even a cursory search of the Internet will turn up several references to this book as the classic on the subject. It describes what RSI is, what the risk factors are, how to evaluate your physician in terms of his or her RSI awareness, how to treat RSI symptoms, and it offers tips on workstation configuration, typing and mouse technique, monitor settings, and daily living. If you think you have RSI and your first instinct is to go out and buy yourself a wrist wrest and a splint, stop and read this book first, it explains why these amateurish attempts at self treatment are a bad idea. I was disappointed that the book didn't offer more specific advice for actually treating RSI, though I understand that would have been difficult given the large number of causes and manifestations of the disorder. The book claims on the front cover to contain a "seven point program for treatment", but most of the advice for treatment itself consists of "go see a doctor". This is frustrating given the book's repeated claim that most doctors know nothing about RSI or don't even believe in it in the first place. Another thing that really annoyed me was the book's assertion that employers are largely responsible for RSI. The basic message was: "RSI isn't your fault. It's just another example of how 'the Man' exploits you in a thankless and mindless job." In my case, my RSI was caused by my own obsessive work habits. The book does list "Driven Behavior" as a risk factor for RSI, but it gets only a perfunctory mention. Another negative is that the book focuses on tendonitis-type RSI, whereas my problem was clearly nerve-related (numbness, weakness, and lack of coordination in hands, forearms, and upper arms). The book that really nailed my problem on the head, and that I recommend as a supplement to this one if your RSI is caused by obsessive computer use, was "It's Not Carpal Tunnel Syndrome!", by Damany, who worked under Pascarelli treating patients for many years.

Rating:
Summary: Reader in Ohio
Review: A must - have book for anyone who spends more than 4 hours a day at a keyboard or for someone who is experiencing pain while sitting in front of a keyboard. Written by a doctor and edited by a "regular" person, the text is complete and easy to understand. It answers all the questions you might have concerning aches and pains while working at the office. I have done over 150 office ergonomic assessments and I recommend this book to all my co-employees. It is the best that I have seen.

Rating:
Summary: good
Review: I found this to be the best book as far as having pictures to show how to do stretches and on good typing technique.

Other books I would recommend are:

'The Repetitive Strain Handbook by Robert M Simon, MD and Ruth Aleskovsky'.

'The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook by Clair Davies'

'Living Better Every Patient's Guide to Living with Illness by Carol j. Langenfeld'.

Rating:
Summary: Straightforward and helpful
Review: This book is the single most useful collection of practical RSI information I've found. Highly recommended for anyone trying to figure out how to stop hurting themselves when they're working. I have bought four copies for friends.

Rating:
Summary: I thought I was at fault. That I should have known better!
Review: This book was a gift of serendipity. The information in it allowed me to communicate to my DR's and the State Workers' Compensation Division exactally what my injury is. Because of prolonged computer "leashing" I developed a bi-lateral Ulnar nerve compression. I sought "compentent" medical treatment for 4 months until I read this book. I found such treatment because this publication empowered me to ask the right questions. I will not relate details but I was severly abused in the Medical system (yes I am FULLY insured) prior to having the information Ms. Quilter provides in this excellent book. If you have sore hands, numb hands or, as I did, muscle loss in your arms or hands, BUY this book! I have been given full Workers' Compensation, and have been blessed to find the upper extremity Orthopaedic Surgens at the University of Pittsburgh because of the drive this publication gave me and refusal to stop looking for the best help for my injury.

Rating:
Summary: Recommended by a hand surgeon!
Review: This book was recommended to me by both a physical therapist and a friend with RSI. I found it to be wonderfully refreshing and informative, and would recommend it to anyone worrying about any form of computer-related RSI. The authors treat the reader with respect and intelligence, explaining in detail what is going on and what you can do (including when to get professional help and how to make the most of it). Most importantly, they give you hope that you can improve your RSI situation. I have had several professionals tell me that RSI problems are not reversable, even if you only have a minor case ("all you can do is cope"). The authors of this book debunk this myth, explaining the spectrum of both injuries and actions you can take to help yourself.

Rating:
Summary: Finally, someone who understands this painful injury!
Review: This is the most comprehensive book I have ever read on repetitive strain injuries. I have been suffering from various RSI's in my wrists/elbows/arms for about a year now, and was very frustrated that none of the numerous doctors I saw seemed to be able to help me, or even understood what was wrong with me. Just one chapter into the book, I felt a great sense of relief that the author *understands* not only the injury, but the frustration and anger that patients suffer. There are detailed descriptions of the various types of RSI's, how they are caused, and what you can do about correcting the problems that caused them in the first place. Along with this are valuable instructions on workplace ergonomics, suggestions for helpful ways to make everyday life easier, pain management, and a resource guide at the end of the book, with suppliers of helpful tools as well as legal resources if your injury is work-related. An excellent book, I highly recommend it.