Frequently Asked Questions

 Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is an umbrella term for several cumulative trauma disorders caused by overuse of the hand and arm. The injury can happen to the fingers, wrists, forearms, upper arms, shoulder and neck.

RSI includes many different ailments: de Quervain's disease, tendinitis, tenosynovitis, epicondylitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, to name a few. Many RSI sufferers have more than one of these diagnoses, so it can be a complicated medical problem.

And while RSI sufferers can share many common complaints, no two cases are exactly alike. RSI varies according to individual physical weaknesses or areas vulnerable to faulty work habits or workstations. Some people get pain in their shoulders and necks. Other people feel pain in their wrists. And then there are people who don't have much pain, but instead experience extreme weakness or clumsiness.

One thing you need to know is that Repetitive Strain Injury is not the same thing as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one form of RSI, but the terms are not synonymous. 

Repetitive Strain Injury is serious. If left untreated, it can lead to unemployment and severe disability.You need proper diagnosis and treatment right away in order to prevent further damage. See the Repetitive Strain Injury Recovery Book for more information.

 Deborah got into ergonomics while she was writing her first book. She sat in the office with the leading physician in this area while he analyzed the technique and posture of patients with Repetitive Strain Injury. Improper typing technique and posture cannot be addressed by merely changing or reconfiguring furniture. Deborah's expertise is invaluable in helping people learn what's causing their pain and injury so they can avoid continuing those habits. She shows you what they are doing to cause the injury, and ways to use your body to avoid injury.Over the years, her understanding of technique – and the value she can give her clients – has only increased.

Many ergonomist receive commissions for products they recommend. Deborah does not receive commissions from manufacturers – but she might be able to get you a discount on certain products. You can be sure that if Deborah recommends a product, it's because it means her high standards. There is no pressure for you to buy certain products and she will happily offer an opinion on products you might find on your own.

• Most people come to us when they are already injured, so we offer mentoring on how to make progress and also keep their situation from getting worse. We offer insight into evaluating your physician and the kind of care and treatments you are receiving from other medical professionals.

• We also realize that you use your hands in a multitude of daily activities from getting dressed in the morning to driving yourself to appointments, cooking dinner, child care and navigating heavy doors. Deborah has tons of tricks on how to make it less stressful for you. She can also save you a lot of money by recommending products that work – and helping you avoid those that are a waste of money.

• We offer a targeted rehabilitation program designed for Repetitive Strain Injury. It's very important to exercise in order to regain strength and function, but the wrong program can make matters significantly worse. This program is designed to help you gain and maintain fitness without exacerbating your injury. This is very important because even many physical therapists offer exercises that can increase injury.

• We pertorm one-on-one workstation evaluations and technique retraining. Improper ergonomics can lead to injury by putting the body and awkward positions leading to strain. But improper technique can happen even with the best workstation. That's why it's important to learn how to use your body when you are working.

 Deborah works one-on-one with Individuals who have Repetitive Strain Injury and realize that there is no single quick fix for this problem and are dedicated to living their best life and are willing to put in the time and effort to make that happen. 

No, our services are not covered by insurance. Most clients happily pay out-of-pocket because this work is truly useful and helpful to them. In some cases, people are able to write off Deborah's ergonomic services on their taxes.