Treatment for Arm Pain and RSI
Arm, neck and back pain are common and can occur together. As the muscles, joints and nerves in these areas work closely together, pain may sometimes radiate into the shoulder, upper arm or forearm.
Arm pain can have various causes, including overuse during sport or work, staying in the same position for prolonged periods, or an injury. On this page, you can learn more about the possible causes of arm pain and how physiotherapy can support your recovery.
RSI and Arm Pain
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an umbrella term for symptoms affecting the arm, neck and shoulders, often associated with prolonged or repetitive strain. In the Netherlands, the term KANS is also used, referring to complaints of the arm, neck and shoulder.
These symptoms can develop through a combination of factors, such as repetitive movements, staying in the same position for long periods, extensive computer work, sporting activities or insufficient recovery. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, fatigue, muscle tension or difficulty with movement and everyday activities.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and how your symptoms affect you. A physiotherapist will first assess the factors contributing to your symptoms, then develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Computer-Related Arm Pain
Computer-related arm pain, sometimes called “mouse arm”, refers to symptoms affecting the arm, wrist, shoulder or neck that are often associated with prolonged computer use and repetitive movements. These symptoms fall under the umbrella of RSI, also known as KANS in the Netherlands.
There is usually no single cause. Prolonged or intensive computer work, repetitive movements, limited variation in posture and movement, high demands and insufficient recovery can all play a role. Work pressure and your current capacity to cope with these demands may also influence how symptoms develop and persist.
Common symptoms include pain, fatigue or tension in the arm, wrist, shoulder or neck. Tingling, numbness or reduced strength may also occur. As these symptoms can have different causes, a thorough assessment is important.
Your physiotherapist will assess the factors contributing to your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan. Treatment usually focuses on improving movement and your ability to tolerate everyday activities, temporarily adjusting demands and gradually building activities back up. Varying your tasks and posture at work, staying active and allowing time for recovery are also important.
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Treatment for Arm Pain
If you have arm pain, your physiotherapist will first assess where your symptoms may be coming from and which factors contribute to them. We look at how your symptoms started, which movements cause discomfort, and whether posture, physical demands, sport or work play a role. Arm pain can develop gradually through prolonged strain or occur suddenly after a fall or sports injury.
As the cause varies from person to person, there is no single treatment for arm pain. Based on the assessment, we create a personalised treatment plan. Depending on your symptoms, treatment may include exercise therapy, joint mobilisation, manual therapy, dry needling or kinesiology taping.
Are you experiencing pain in your arm, shoulder, neck or upper back? Book an appointment with one of our physiotherapists in Amsterdam. Together, we will work towards recovery and help you move more freely again.