1. Least Effective Exercises Slideshow
2. Dehydration Slideshow
3. First Aid Care and Pain Relief for Minor Injuries

Medical Author:

Samuel J Haraldson, MD

Coauthor:

Barbara J Blasko, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

The prevention of tendinitis and bursitis is similar in most respects.

• Do adequate warm-up and cool-down maneuvers (crucial to proper tendon and bursae health).
• Avoid activity that makes your injury flare up. This will speed healing of both tendinitis and bursitis.
• If using a hedge clipper caused you pain, avoid this activity and others like it.
• If reaching overhead in your work has caused a repetitive motion injury, your occupational health manager may be able to redesign your job so you won't have to reach overhead.
• Practice range-of-motion exercises, especially in tendinitis. These are important to ensure minimal decrease in function.
• Use splints or bands to decrease the strain on a tendon that occurs with sporting activities, such as tennis and golf. These devices may be bought over the counter or obtained from your doctor.

Must Read Articles Related to Repetitive Motion Injuries

Bursitis Bursae (one is a bursa) are fluid-filled sacs that cushion areas of friction between tendon and bone or skin. Like air-filled bubble wrap, these sacs reduce fri...learn more >>

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disease of the hand characterized by numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness. The disease typically affects the thumb, index, and mid...learn more >>

Chronic Pain Chronic pain is pain that persists for a period of six months or longer, and is the result of a long-standing medical condition(s) or damage to the body. Common...learn more >>

See the Entire Repetitive Motion Injuries Topic Guide »