I don't have any pain using a computer. Why should I bother with RSIGuard?

"As a 41 year old software engineer, I had no pain using the computer. I didn't know that many people develop Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) over the course of 15 or 20 years before having any pain. I figured I was immune to RSI and that I didn't have the 'gene' for it. When the pain first began, I ignored it. Now, I can't ignore it. For now I can still work, but it has forever changed my stamina, and I may have pain as long as I use computers. It affects most everything I do."

What's the greatest medical problem facing the computer industry? Most people guess carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or more generally, some form of computer-related repetitive strain injury. While those may be the common injuries brought on by repetitive computer use, it is reasonable to argue that the real problem is a lack of ergonomic awareness and widespread denial that these injuries can occur to anyone.

People often assume that they won't have RSI problems because they have no symptoms now. But repetitive strain injuries only become apparent after repetition. Therefore, if you use computers frequently, you likely have already begun to injure yourself.

For example, in one type of injury, a tendon passes through a tunnel in the wrist, and builds up scar tissue over time. There are generally no symptoms as the scar tissue builds. By the time the scar tissue becomes so extensive that pain is felt, the tissue is blocking movement in the tunnel and is unlikely to heal without drastic measures such as surgery.

If you use a computer, you are at risk and need to understand that denial will not protect you! Consider this experiment. Tell an asymptomatic person about a new ergonomic "solution," and they're likely to tell you that they know someone who could "really use something like that." It's rare for the person who is pain-free to think that they need to examine their own ergonomic situation or that they might be injuring themselves. But millions of people are well on their way to symptomatic injuries and simply aren't aware of it yet. These people are prime candidates for ergonomic improvements, but without awareness, are unlikely to take preventative steps.

While 'RSIGuard' alone can't insure you won't get RSI, it can help. RSIGuard helps reduce your strain at the computer (with AutoClick), gives you meaningful breaks that are tailored not only to your physical health, but also to your willpower (with BreakTimer), keeps you conscious of your behavior (with ForgetMeNots), and keeps track of your progress (with DataLogger and the companion program RSIGuard Reports).

Most people, especially those without symptoms, have a hard time disciplining themselves to change their patterns. RSIGuard was designed with this in mind. It was created with feedback from real people who use it, and thus each feature has been carefully crafted to help you overcome the behavior challenge and stay healthy.

I have pain already. What can RSIGuard do for me now?

If you have pain, you should not ignore it. Your workplace may employ ergonomics experts who can help you before things get worse. You should also seek medical attention at the first sign of pain. While pain may come and go at first, pain is usually a sign that things are getting worse. Denial will not solve the problem.

If you can still use a computer, but only for limited time, you may find RSIGuard especially useful. One of the most common sources of pain is mouse usage, and RSIGuard's AutoClick feature has helped many people continue to work. A BreakTimer is an absolute necessity for most people who have pain to insure that they keep track of when they need to rest. RSIGuard's BreakTimer models your trauma and tells you to take breaks when you really need them. Furthermore, because many people don't have the self-discipline to take breaks in the midst of working, you can instruct RSIGuard to enforce the taking of breaks according to your willpower level.

Is using RSIGuard enough? What else can I do?

We truly believe that RSIGuard is the best RSI prevention software of its type and can significantly help you as it has helped many others. However, it is important that you also educate yourself about RSI. Find out what physical changes to your workstation could benefit you (e.g., many medical facilities can do stress tests to help you select the right equipment). Find out what software changes can help you (e.g., RSIGuard and voice recognition software). Investigate medical treatments that may help (e.g., physical therapy, massage, Feldenkrais, anti-inflamatories). Consider how you can change your use of the computer (e.g., using it less, changing your posture, working in a more relaxed, less intense manner). Remember, denial will not prevent RSI.

To learn more about what RSIGuard can do for you, visit What is RSIGuard?

For more general RSI information, including research, frequently asked questions, and links, see the Help Page.