Repetitive Motion Is a Pain in the . . .

I was impressed by “Salving a Workplace Pain” (editorial, Jan. 14), on repetitive motion injuries. I am 66 and have done hard physical labor, raised, fed and trained horses and moved heavy items all my life. I now work with a computer.

About 18 months ago I got a pain in my right shoulder from using the mouse and typing. I am still exercising and working on getting back to normal. I have to use my left hand on the mouse. I can hardly move my right hand when writing and assist it with my left. I can hardly read my own writing.

I was always skeptical of repetitive motion injuries, but no more; they are real and the worst I have experienced in my life--pain when I move my arm, throbbing at night and when sitting or walking. Typing and keeping client files on the computer is a real struggle.

Harlan Christianson

Los Angeles