hurting!!

[Scarlett]

My shoulder at the back/top left is REALLY hurting. Especially when I sit at the computer or at the piano- which I have to do for 6 hours at a time. Is this repetitive strain injury? And in which case, what is the best way to sort it?

Thanks xxx

[silly moo]

Probably not RSI.
It is most likely the height of your chair that is wrong so your posture is wrong and putting strain on your muscles.
As well as adjusting the chair you could also do some neck and shoulder simple stretching exercises; and sleep with only 1 pillow at night.

[Emily Ball]

I agree with silly moo that it sounds as if your seating may be causing unnecessary strain but six hours is an excessive amount of time to be sat at either a computer or the piano without regular breaks to give both your eyes and body a rest. If you really do have to spend a lot of time at your computer or piano then make sure you give yourself at least five minutes every hour away from them.Giving your eyes a quick workout by focusing on things in the far, near and middle distance several times and doing a few stretching exercises will refresh you and you won't end up like Mr.Magoo with a dowager's hump.

[smudge]

It could also be a frozen shoulder - very painful. It may be best to consult your GP. Good luck Scarlett.

[jno]

does sound like RSI - bearing in mind that this isn't a disease as such, just an umbrella term for a lot of varying symptoms; but spending long periods at keyboards (of either sort) does imply repetitive actions. Ergonomic adjustments may help - moving the screen, the desk, the chair - and resting is always a good idea. Go carefully, as you can really seize up badly in a worst-case situation.