Typing pain, mouse shoulder, neck stiffness from endless Zoom calls? Realign Chiro Physio’s WorkSafeBC-funded recovery plan beats repetitive strain injuries (RSI) so office workers return to full productivity pain-free.
Understanding Desk Job RSI Under WorkSafeBC
Repetitive strain hits admins, IT, accountants hardest: wrist tendonitis from keyboarding, thoracic outlet syndrome from hunching, upper trap trigger points from mouse overuse. WSBC recognizes these as accepted claims when symptoms link to work demands.
Realign kinesiologists and physiotherapists specialize in office RSI, treating root causes not just symptoms. Early intervention prevents chronic issues—patients return to 8-hour days within 6-8 weeks versus 3+ months untreated.
Phase 1 Assessment: Pinpoint Your RSI Triggers
Your WSBC claim number gets you in for comprehensive evaluation:
- Posture analysis: Forward head position, rounded shoulders, wrist extension angles
- Workstation audit: Monitor height, keyboard tray, mouse position, chair lumbar support
- Functional testing: Typing endurance, mouse clicking speed, neck rotation under typing load
- Strength baselines: Grip, pinch strength, scapular stability, cervical endurance
Kinesiologists video your exact typing/mousing pattern to identify micro-traumas building up daily.
Phase 2: Pain Relief and Symptom Control
Passive therapies first (Weeks 1-3):
- Manual therapy releases tight pec minors, scalenes, forearm flexors
- IMS needling deactivates chronic trigger points in traps and forearms
- Laser/ultrasound reduces wrist/hand inflammation
- Postural taping supports proper alignment during work hours
Patients report 40-60% pain reduction, enabling active rehab participation.
Phase 3: Active Rehab for Desk Endurance
Strength & endurance building (Weeks 3-6):
- Neck/scapular stabilizers: Chin tucks, wall angels, band pull-aparts (100 reps daily)
- Wrist/forearm conditioning: Rice bucket digs, gripper progressions, eccentric wrist curls
- Thoracic mobility: Foam roller extensions, doorway stretches, cat-camel flows
- Core endurance: Bird-dogs, dead bugs maintaining neutral spine under desk load
Work simulation: typing sessions with heart rate monitoring, progressive mouse clicking endurance.
Phase 4: Workstation Optimization + Prevention
Realign’s ergonomic specialist visits your office (WSBC-funded) to engineer RSI-proof setup:
- Adjustable keyboard tray (elbows 90-100°)
- Vertical mouse or trackpad reducing forearm pronation
- Dual monitor alignment (eyes level with top third)
- Standing desk transitions every 45 minutes
- Micro-break protocols (20-20-20 rule: every 20min, look 20ft away 20sec)
Custom home program syncs with office setup for consistent protection.
WSBC Return-to-Work Graduation Plan
Week 6+ metrics proving full recovery:
- 4-hour typing sessions pain-free
- Mouse clicking 500+ reps/hour without forearm fatigue
- Full cervical rotation maintaining productivity
- Posture holding 95% neutral through 8-hour day
Realign submits WSBC progress reports documenting functional capacity matching job demands. Discharge includes 3-month prevention check-ins and flare-up management protocols.
Office workers heal differently. Book your WSBC RSI assessment at Realign today—direct billing, specialized desk job recovery, back to peak productivity fast.
