Mouse arm is an umbrella term describing pain, tension, or tingling in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand caused by repetitive use and static postures, particularly during computer work.
It is not a single diagnosis, but rather a form of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) — a collection of symptoms arising from overuse, poor ergonomics, and muscular imbalance.
Typical causes include prolonged computer use, mouse control, or keyboard activity with little variation in movement or posture.
Over time, sustained muscle tension and restricted joint motion can lead to reduced circulation, nerve irritation, and myofascial trigger points throughout the upper limb and shoulder girdle.
Although commonly seen in office workers, it can also affect students, designers, healthcare professionals, and anyone with repetitive hand movements or long hours at a desk.
Aching or burning pain in the forearm, wrist, shoulder, or neck.
Tingling or numbness in the fingers or hand.
Stiffness or heaviness in the arm, especially after work.
Fatigue, weakness, or reduced grip strength.
Discomfort aggravated by typing, mouse use, or smartphone handling.
Tension headaches or shoulder blade pain from postural overload.
Functional impact:
Mouse arm can significantly reduce productivity, concentration, and comfort.
If untreated, it can lead to chronic tension patterns or even nerve compression syndromes (e.g. carpal tunnel or thoracic outlet syndrome).
Red flags:
Persistent numbness, weakness, or radiating pain should be medically evaluated to exclude nerve entrapment or vascular compromise.
Mouse arm develops gradually through micro-overload and sustained muscular tension.
Key contributing factors include:
Prolonged static posture: neck and shoulder held forward for long periods.
Repetitive micro-movements: of the wrist and fingers during mouse or keyboard use.
Poor workstation ergonomics: incorrect desk or screen height, unsupported forearms.
Muscle imbalance: tight upper trapezius and pectorals, weak scapular stabilisers.
Restricted joint motion: especially in the thoracic spine and first rib.
Reduced microcirculation: due to sustained contraction and shallow breathing.
Stress and sympathetic overactivation: increasing muscle tone and tension.
From an osteopathic viewpoint, mouse arm is not just a local forearm problem — it reflects a whole-body adaptation involving posture, breathing, and circulation.
Osteopathic treatment for mouse arm focuses on relieving tension, restoring mobility, and improving postural and circulatory balance throughout the upper body.
An osteopathic assessment may include:
Evaluation of posture, breathing, and upper-limb biomechanics.
Gentle mobilisation of the cervical, thoracic, and shoulder regions.
Myofascial release and soft tissue techniques for neck, shoulder, and forearm muscles.
Treatment of first rib and thoracic outlet to improve nerve and vascular flow.
Guidance on ergonomic adjustments and movement breaks.
Breathing retraining to reduce stress-related tension.
The goal is to reduce overload and restore movement variability, helping the body recover from repetitive strain while preventing recurrence.
Evidence supports manual therapy and ergonomic interventions for managing work-related upper-limb and neck disorders.
Systematic reviews show that osteopathic and physiotherapy-based treatments can reduce pain, improve circulation, and enhance range of motion in repetitive strain injuries and computer-related pain syndromes.
Combining hands-on therapy with education, posture training, and exercise yields the best long-term results.
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