Cumulative Trauma Syndrome

Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) or Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI's) is the term given to injuries caused from repeated trauma that builds up over time. CTD’s are the end result of repeated, long-term trauma to joints such as the wrist, fingers, shoulder, knee, elbow (tennis elbow), etc. Any repeated trauma can lead to CTD’s but the most common with Nail Professionals is with the wrist, elbow and shoulder. These conditions are painful and may become permanent if not treated.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when the Median nerve that controls motion within the fingers gets compressed and pinched in the Carpel Tunnel around the wrist. The Carpel Tunnel is really a ligament (Flexor Retinaculum) that stretches across the carpel bones of the wrist. This band creates a “tunnel” beneath it which protects the wrist, tendons and nerves that control the finger and thumb motion as they pass through it. This tunnel formation also acts as a very important 'pulley' system which dramatically increases the muscle power within the hands and fingers.

When this area is injured through repeated trauma, swelling occurs in the Flexor Retinaculum. The swelling can begin to pinch the Median nerve, causing pain, numbness, and/or weakness within the hand and fingers. If the trauma causing the swelling continues, eventually the injury and pain will become permanent. Luckily, this is 100% avoidable through using proper ergonomic techniques.


Why are Nail Professionals Prone to this?

Nail professionals are prone to forming CTS (or other CTD's in the elbow and shoulder) because of the amount of work the do with their wrists. Excessive filing (even with e-files) is the primary culprit as professionals file with their wrists bent and oddly shaped. The most effective way to prevent CTS is to file with your wrist straight. Saying that, you still need to make sure that you are not simply trading CTS for another CTD like Tennis elbow. Minimize the amount of filing you do full stop.

Ways to prevent CTS

• Shake out your hands between appointments
• Put hands palm down on table and stretch your fingers out
• Change position often
• Ensure table and chair height are correct
• Minimise filing by sculpting with your brush
• Always work in a relaxed manner
• Rubber Band Exercise