How to avoid re-stretching injury (RSI) with hand embroidery

There is nothing more enjoyable than completing an embroidery or other type of needlework stitching design from beginning to end and seeing the tangible finished product that you have created, especially when you like to sew. However, it is important to realize that repetitive tasks related to needlework can lead to injuries to the hands and wrists. The actual name of the injury is called “recurring stress injury” (RSI). Most likely, you heard about it, but just in case, if you have not done so, let me introduce you to this. A recurring stress injury occurs when someone performs the same tasks over and over. Repetition causes muscle and tendon tension in parts of your body that perform repetitive tasks. This stress causes inflammation and discomfort, which can become so acute that the only way to relieve discomfort is to completely stop the offensive tasks until the body heals.

Repetitive movements, such as hand and wrist movements associated with embroidery and hand stitching, can cause RSI. As a rule, handmade embroidery and hand embroidery includes repetitive movements of passing the thread through the fabric from front to back, back to the front, and holding the fabric in place to do this. Both of these actions can cause RSI in the hands and wrist.

The good news is that RSI can be avoided by making some simple changes in how you embroider, fasten, and make other types of needlework. For example, you should never engage in any type of needlework for extended periods of time without periodic interruptions. During these breaks, you should gently reach out your hand, wrist, and fingers. A simple, effective manual exercise for opening and closing a fist is very effective. Unfortunately, however, there is no definitive cure for RSI. And if you ever find yourself out of the onslaught of RSI, your best remedy is to stop stitching immediately, until your tendons and muscles have time to heal. For pain, you can take anti-inflammatory drugs and relax in the area. If the pain does not subside on its own, you should contact a medical professional for help. It is recommended to always consult a doctor and get him or her before taking any anti-inflammatory drugs.

When you are engaged in embroidery and other types of needlework, it is important to take all precautions to avoid RSI. In addition to the periodic breaks, exercises and stretching of the arms and wrists mentioned in the previous paragraph, there are other precautions you can take to avoid RSI. For example, you can adapt the proper way to handle your needle and project from the outside. When you are doing embroidery and other types of needlework, use a frame to secure your work on the spot; It is much easier in your irreconcilable hand and reduces the RSI onslaught. You can use a frame for the floor or a simple frame on your lap. Both of them will allow you to work without having to sit and hold your fabric in your hands between your fingers.

The worst atonement that inevitably causes the onslaught of RSI is the use of a very small cloth. This requires a complex task of trying to get the needle in the right place, which leads to re-tensioning the muscles of the hands and fingers and keeping them in this terribly uncomfortable position for long periods of time, increasing the risk that you will get RSI. Avoid this by using large weaving fabrics. With large holes in the fabric, you do not need to be so precise that your seams are made. The end result is that your arms and finger muscles remain more relaxed.

When you sew by hand, it is important to limit the length of the threads that you use. Using a thread that is too long causes you to constantly stretch your arm to pull the thread through the fabric. But, using the arrow thread to make your line, you do not have to stretch your hand so much. True, you will have to get a new topic more often, a lot of unnecessary work, but just think about the benefits of avoiding RSI for the muscles of the arms and shoulders and tendons.

Another thing you can do when you stitch is to catch your elbows in the arms of your chair or on the pillow. By not moving the upper parts of your hand with each stitch, you can avoid repeated injuries to the shoulder and shoulder.

After you have embroidered or sewed for half an hour, stop, and if you can, get up and walk for about a minute or two, waving your arms and hands slightly. Notice how you feel. If your muscles have stress. If so, this area is likely to suffer from RSI. Take the time to understand why you feel pain in this area and what you can do to avoid this in the future.

In addition, before returning to your sewing project, take a moment to close your eyes and relieve any stresses that you may have. Simple relaxation techniques along with exercises and stretching can work wonders in preventing RSI.

If you are currently suffering from RSI or may develop it in the future, keep in mind that this does not mean that the end of your stitching is permanent. Take enough time to rest and recuperate and think about how you could reduce your arms, wrists, fingers and shoulders to avoid RSI, and when you are ready to start stitching again, change your movements to avoid a flash - (RSI ). But if you are still in pain, it's time to consult with your doctor.