Natural Health: What can I do about my RSI?

Plus how to concentrate at work after returning from a holiday

Dealing with repetitive strain injury (RSI) symptoms when those repetitive movements are an essential part of your work process is certainly a challenge. Picture: iStock

Fri, 28 Aug, 2026 - 02:00

Megan Sheppard

My work is computer-based, and I do my best to take short screen breaks frequently during the day. But over the past few months, I’ve been experiencing symptoms of repetitive strain injury in my right hand. I got an ergonomic mouse, which is helping. Is there anything else I can do?

Dealing with repetitive strain injury (RSI) symptoms when those repetitive movements are an essential part of your work process is certainly a challenge. Switching to an ergonomic mouse is a good starting point.

Certain supplements may help support tendon, muscle, and circulatory health. Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM (Methyl Sulphonyl Methane) are all recommended choices and are thought to work even more effectively when taken together as a combination formula. You can typically find these as internal and topical remedies.

Glucosamine sulphate provides building blocks used in cartilage formation and may help support joint health, while chondroitin sulphate attracts nutrients and fluids to the joints to increase lubrication and shock absorption capabilities. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a source of sulphur, a mineral involved in the formation and maintenance of connective tissues, and is commonly used to support joint health.

The Feldenkrais Method is also worth looking into. Based on the principle of using minimum effort to achieve maximum efficiency, it aims to help people release holding patterns and improve flexibility and coordination. It works at a subtle level, encouraging greater body awareness, helping to release pain, strain, stiffness, and tension.

For more information or to find a local Feldenkrais practitioner, visit feldenkrais.ie

I’m finding it difficult to concentrate at work since returning from holidays abroad a few weeks ago. Is there a remedy I could take?

One of the best remedies for trouble with concentration is breathing. Not just any breathing, but specific breath work exercises. Shallow or tight breathing is more common during times of elevated stress and can lead to problems with concentration, headaches, and mental blocks.

For balancing brain activity and promoting focus and concentration, try alternate nostril breathing. This can help to balance both hemispheres of the brain, reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and regulate energy levels.

Using the thumb and ring finger to gently close each nostril, alternate between breathing in through the left nostril, closing it, then breathing out through the right nostril. Then in through the right, closing it, and out through the left. Repeat for up to five minutes.

Box Breathing is another simple breathing technique that can help to re-energise body and mind, while also reducing stress. You can practise this technique while sitting at your desk, and it only takes a few minutes. All you need to do is inhale through the nose to the count of four, hold the breath for four counts, exhale through the mouth to the count of four, then hold it again for four counts. Repeat this process four times.

You may also benefit from using essential oils to help you concentrate. Sweet Basil essential oil is known as an oil for mental clarity and focus, and is often used to help with work or study where concentration is key.

Other essential oils to look for, either individually or part of a blend, to help with focus include lemon, peppermint, and spearmint. Lemon essential oil is excellent for concentration and has a general tonic effect. Peppermint and spearmint oils are often chosen for their ability to help combat fatigue and improve energy levels.

Any oils that you choose should be 100% pure therapeutic grade, not fragrant oils. If using the oils in a diffuser, then adding three to five drops should be plenty.

To use the oils topically, you will need to dilute them in a base oil before you apply them to your skin. The recommended dilution is 2%, which works out at around four drops per 10ml of base oil.