If you suspect you may have RSI you need to make an appointment to see your family doctor. You should also make an appointment with your company's health, safety and welfare agency (Arbodienst). The information below will help you prepare.
You can also attend RSI prevention courses run by the Arbodienst.

What should you do?
Preparing to visit the doctor
Discussing the symptoms
Physical examination
Diagnosis
Treatment
Results of the examination

What should you do?

• If you think you might have RSI, it is important not to put off visiting your family doctor.
• In general it is a case of the sooner your problems are identified and the sooner they're treated, the better your eventual recovery.

Preparing to visit the doctor

• The purpose of the visit is to make clear to the doctor what your problems are. After examining you, the doctor should then recommend rest or refer you to a therapist.
• It is a good idea to prepare for the visit by gathering as much information as you can, making a mental list of your symptoms, and finding out about suitable treatment.
• It is also worth enquiring if there is a physiotherapist or Mensendieck therapist in your neighbourhood. If you think you may be referred to a rehabilitation specialist, find out beforehand how long the wait is to see such specialists at the various centres.
• A normal consultation lasts 10 minutes. If necessary and possible, you might reserve double that time for a first visit with RSI.

Discussing your symptoms

• What symptoms have you got? How often do you have them? How long have you had such problems?
• You can demonstrate your restrictions by describing specific problems (and avoiding a vague account). For example: I often drop things, I find it almost impossible to lock the door because I can't turn the key, I have difficulty brushing my teeth, I can't cook proper meals because I have difficulty peeling potatoes or cutting vegetables, it's a problem for me to hold a newspaper, I can hardly write.
• You will want to ask your doctor various questions, depending on the extent of your problems.
  A few suggestions are; Could these symptoms be classed as RSI?, Can I carry on working?, What types of therapy are possible?, Can you give me an idea of the prospects of recovery from my symptoms?, Bear in mind the various phases that generally apply. If your symptoms are more serious, you should ask if complete recovery is possible and how long is it likely to take?
  The answers will not only give you a clearer picture of your personal situation but also an idea of your doctor's knowledge and experience in this area.
• You may feel the urge to tell the doctor what the pain and restrictions mean to you. The effects may be major and far-reaching but even so, it's important not to go into this in great detail. However, it is important for the doctor to make sure you receive both physical and mental support. Supporting treatment or medicines may help with pain or sleep problems.

Physical examination

• Tell the doctor where the problems are, how they started, where the pain is, what kind of pain it is, how long you've had it and what symptoms you have.
• First of all the doctor will examine the area where the symptoms occur. It may be possible to identify certain specific strain disorders.
• If you don't have any clearly evident symptoms or pain at the time of the examination, you should explain clearly what brings on such symptoms.
• It will give the doctor a clearer picture of the pattern of symptoms, if you demonstrate the restrictions and problems you have. For instance, if you find it painful to shake hands, you could avoid doing so when you enter the room, explaining why you'd rather not.

Diagnosis

• You shouldn't expect a firm diagnosis at the first examination. RSI is a syndrome that can cover many disorders involving excessive strain to the upper limbs.
• It is possible that the doctor will order additional tests relating to other clinical pictures with similar symptoms.

Treatment

• Depending how serious your symptoms are, the doctor may advise you to rest for a certain period and/or refer you to a physiotherapist, a remedial therapist or a rehabilitation specialist.
• Rest does not mean complete rest. Regular small amounts of exercise are necessary to improve the condition of painful muscles and tissue. Avoid actions and movements that cause more pain. Adequate rest is necessary for recovery. Complete rest may lead to irreversible muscular atrophy.
• Be careful not to use your other hand too much. The other side is already under extra strain without your noticing it. This can quickly lead to strain on both sides, resulting in tremendous restrictions.
• There is no such thing as a single treatment or one solution to RSI.
  Both regular and alternative therapies, or a combination of the two, may help to bring about an improvement.

Results of the examination

• It is important to have a good relationship with your family doctor, so you can discuss the situation and decide on the best approach for you at that moment. The main thing is for your doctor to be open to your views and take your symptoms seriously. It's also helpful for your doctor to have a proper knowledge of RSI and recognise the importance of intervention, so a start is made on treating your problems.
• Afterwards you may want to ask yourself if you're satisfied with the visit and outcome. If you sense that your doctor does not take your RSI symptoms seriously or is reluctant to refer you to a therapist, you may want to get a second opinion.