Massage, medial epicondylitis, median nerve..

Massage  A non-invasive practice of applying pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body. Massage helps to relax muscle spasm, relieve tension, improve circulation and eliminate wastes.

Medial Epicondylitis  A form of tendonitis commonly known as "Golfer's Elbow". It is caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons leading to inflammation. Golfer's elbow is similar to tennis elbow, but affects different muscles. The pain may be experienced at the elbow joint on the inside of the arm and shooting pains may occur when gripping an object. The most commonly affected muscle is called the flexor carpi ulnaris which bends the wrist forward and to the side of the 5th finger. This muscle is used a lot when holding a golf club and when typing on a keyboard. More on Golfer's elbow.

Median nerve   A nerve which starts at the brachial plexus and runs through the chest wall, over the armpit, along the inside of the arm and through the carpal tunnel of the wrist to the fingers. The median nerve controls sensation and motion in the thumb, index and middle finger and part of the ring finger. Read more about the median nerve and RSI.

Metacarpals   The part of the hand that includes the five bones between the fingers and the wrist. These are the bones that can be felt on the back of the hand.

Microbreaks (Desk Doctor)   Taking a 30 second break from typing or using the mouse is counted by Desk Doctor as a microbreak. Microbreaks allow the muscles to rest and are an important factor in reducing your risk of muscle fatigue and strain. Microbreaks can be viewed as a passive form of RSI prevention whereas exercises and stretches can be viewed as active prevention. See Prevention (active) and Prevention (passive) for more.

Microtears   Also called "tendonosis"; microtears occur when small tears develop in the connective tissue around the tendon. Also see tendonitis.

Micro trauma   Small injuries in the body are called microtraumas. They may cause low level inflammations which could develop into more serious problems if left untreated. Microtraumas include stress to the tendons, microtearing of muscle fibres and the connective tissue. Read more about microtraumas and RSI.

Monitor   A planned sequence of measurements conducted to assess work and rest habits in order to encourage healthy computer use and to allocate appropriate exercises at the right time.

Motor   Causing or producing motion.

Motor nerves   Nerves which enable the brain to send impulses to muscles causing them to contract.

Motor response  When the body subconsciously reacts to a stimulus before an active decision is made to move. For example, when the hand moves away from a hot flame. "Motor" means action, "response" means "responding to a stimulus" .