Books For Sore Hands And Wrists

Lee Zaslow

REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY, A COMPUTER USER'S GUIDE, Emil Pascarelli and Deborah Quilter John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-471-59533-0, $12.95

PREVENTING COMPUTER INJURY: THE HAND BOOK, Stephanie Brown Ergonome, ISBN 1-884388-01-9, $19.95

Repetitive strain injuries are on the upswing, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Repetitive Strain Injury, A Computer User's Guide thoroughly explains the causes of the injury, describes what the authors believe is good treatment, and emphasizes prevention of the disability. This is done in a knowledgeable and accessible manner. The authors cite the epidemiology of this condition and explain who is most at risk. The book presents multiple checklists for recognizing the problem and its risk factors, along with advice on ho w to cope with the emotional component of the injury. From a physical therapist's point of view, the recommended program is good practice.

Preventing Computer Injury: The Hand Book describes and illustrates exercises that can be used to prevent repetitive strain injuries. It discusses hand positions and motions to avoid and suggests appropriate substitutes. The author does not go into any depth of medical description. Instead, she concentrates on the clearly defined and pictured preventive exercises and hand and body postures. Brown writes in a simple, accurate, and easily understood manner; this book will be helpful to anyone who sits at a keyboard. n

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Lee Zaslow teaches physical therapy at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You can reach her on BIX c/o "editors."