Today, I want to examine an injury I've actually had myself. About a year ago, the combination of giving 25 massages a week, spending hours on the computer to market my own practice, and then blowing off some steam by playing a few hours of a certain PC game, created the perfect storm. At first, my hand mildly hurt. I booked a massage for myself, and then I went about my usual arm abuse. Soon after, my whole arm started going numb. My hands swelled up. I couldn't open a jar or even a door knob. Losing the function of your hands is scary for anyone, but it's a massage therapist's worse nightmare. What made matters worse is that I couldn't put a name to what was wrong with me. My doctor had suggested carpal tunnel syndrome, but this wasn't a chronic problem. After doing some research on my own, I found out about a little known condition called "Mouse Arm." It sounds funny, but it can mean serious pain if you have it.
"Mouse Arm" is a common repetitive strain injury in which one might feel numbness or tingling in the hands, a weakening of your grip, or even a pulling sensation felt throughout the arm. Mouse Arm is often caused by having the mouse in an awkward position which requires one to reach, but it can also be caused by simple overuse of the mouse. Ideally, your mouse should be as close to the keyboard as possible, and not any wider out than shoulder-width. You also don't want the mouse to be positioned to high or low. The keyboard and mouse should be around the level of your waist so that your arms are at a 90 degree angle.
I am very fortunate that my injury has healed, and my hands and arms are pain free. A repetitive strain injury can turn into a chronic pain if neglected. Here are some ways you can assist your body in becoming pain-free:
2. Take regular breaks from the computer (even if you aren't in pain!).
http://www.theage.com.au/news/technology/how-to-avoid-mouse-arm/2007/09/11/1189276708235.html
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