In 40 seconds
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) covers a range of conditions caused by sustained postures and repetitive motions in office work. Carpal tunnel, mouse-arm tendinopathy, neck-shoulder syndrome, lumbar postural fatigue. PEMF therapy reduces inflammation, supports tendon and nerve recovery, and accelerates resolution alongside ergonomic fixes — which are the long-term cure.
Quick facts
- Conditions: Carpal tunnel, mouse-arm tendinopathy, neck-shoulder, lumbar fatigue
- Cause: Sustained postures + repetitive motion
- PEMF role: Reduces inflammation, supports recovery
- Long-term cure: Ergonomic fixes
- Sessions: 2× per week for 6 weeks
Why this injury happens in this sport
Modern office work is ergonomically hostile — too much sitting, screens too low, mouse use under-trained. The fix is ergonomic + movement breaks + targeted strength.
Recovery and return to sport
Ergonomic review (proper monitor height, chair, keyboard position, mouse). Movement every 30 min. PEMF 2× per week over affected area. Targeted strengthening (postural, scapular, wrist).
Contraindications
Hard exclusions — do not have PEMF if any apply:
- Pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or any cardiac electronic device
- Cochlear implant or other implanted electronic hearing device
- Spinal cord stimulator, deep-brain stimulator, vagus nerve stimulator
- Intrathecal pump or implanted drug pump
- Insulin pump (continuous glucose monitors are usually fine — confirm with the clinic)
- Active infection at the treatment site
- Pregnancy — when treatment would be over the abdomen, lumbar spine, or pelvis
Discuss with your GP or specialist before booking if any apply:
- Active malignancy or recent cancer history (oncologist clearance required)
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis or other neurological condition under specialist care
- Anticoagulant therapy (PEMF itself does not thin blood, but bruising risk if local circulation is already compromised)
- Children under 14 (most UK clinics will not treat under-18s without paediatric specialist input)
- Recent surgery within the last 14 days at the treatment site (confirm with surgeon)
NOT contraindications — these are commonly misunderstood:
- Plates, rods, screws and other passive metal orthopaedic hardware
- Dental implants and dental crowns
- Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder)
- IUDs (copper or hormonal)
- Tattoos and piercings (jewellery should be removed for the session)
Specific to this condition: pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, insulin pumps, electronic implants; active malignancy without specialist clearance; pregnancy (over the abdomen); active infection; epilepsy without GP clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Will RSI come back?
Often, if the ergonomics aren't fixed. PEMF fixes inflammation, not bad workstation setups.
Looking for a PEMF clinic near you?
We list every credible PEMF therapy provider in the UK so you can find one near home.