Definition:
Repetitive stress injury is an injury caused by chronic stress, strain, or overuse on a body part, including muscles, tendons (tendonitis), or bones (stress fracture). In sports and fitness, these injuries are typically caused by
- Not warming up properly
- Doing too much too soon (increasing your activity level too abruptly)
- Training too hard (without enough rest in between workouts)
- Not allowing enough recovery time after a previous injury
- Poor form or improper technique
- Always sticking with the exact same workout
- Wrong or improperly sized equipment (such as shoes, bicycles, tennis racquets, etc.)
Repetitive stress injuries can be lessened or prevented by avoiding the causes listed above. Once an injury has occurred, treatment may include icing the injured area, rest, anti-inflammatory medication, or physical therapy.
See all fitness terms.
Also Known As: Repetitive strain injury, repetitive motion injury, repetitive injury, cumulative trauma disorder, musculoskeletal disorder
