You Asked for It
November 2003

Question:

"I attended one of your seminars on RSI at [my workplace] and I believe you mentioned that wearing a lace-up wrist brace is a bad idea. Is that correct? If so why?"

Bev

Response:

The problem with wrist splints is that they only treat the symptoms, not get at the underlying problem - that is the issues in the workplace that caused the strain or that are preventing the strain from healing. If these issues are not addressed, the injury will resurface as soon as the device is discontinued. Also, when the ergonomics of the workplace are not addressed, the rigidity of the wrist from the splint will result in the workload being transferred to other joints (i.e. the elbow, the shoulder and the upper back), creating new injuries.

Devices like this should be used for resting, to allow the joint, ligaments, tendons and muscles to heal. When these same tissues are used in a restricted position, it can actually cause more injury. They are called "resting splints" for that reason, and are intended to be used while sleeping.

For a more detailed explanation of some of the issues, I refer you to the Gov of Alberta website where Ray Cislo wrote a very good summary:

www3.gov.ab.ca/hre/whs/publications/pdf/erg025.pdf

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