Work Related Repetitive Strain Related Diagnosis: The syndrome is commonly used to refer to symptoms due to excessive use of the upper extremity. The patient is under the impression that their problems represent an injury sustained by performing repetitive activities at work. Work related repetitive strain injury is also referred to as cumulative trauma disorder, as well as a number of similar descriptive names. The diagnosis of repetitive strain syndrome is associated with an increased risk for failure to return to work following surgery.