Strain occurs when the body part is called on to work harder, stretch farther, impact more directly or otherwise function at a greater level then it is prepared for. The immediate impact may be minute, but when it occurs repeatedly the constant straining cause damage.
The term repetitive motion disorder identifies a large group of conditions that result from using the body in a repetitious way and causing injury by the amount it is done.
These conditions are often focused on a joint and usually affect the muscle, bone, tendon or bursa of the joint. However other anatomical features and areas can be stressed and their response to that strain can be an injury.
Some common examples of repetitive motion disorders are:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Tennis Elbow
- Trigger Finger
- Blackberry Thumb
The full list of what can be classified as a repetitive motion disorder is quite extensive.
Other terms used interchangeably with Repetitive Motion Disorder are:

