Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional for advice specific to your condition. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Workplace musculoskeletal disorders are the most common cause of work-related injury in Australia, accounting for over half of all serious workers' compensation claims. Most are preventable — and those that have developed are very treatable with physiotherapy and ergonomic correction.
Why Desk Work Causes Pain
Sustained work postures create cumulative tissue loading that, over hours and years, exceeds the capacity of muscles, tendons, and joints to recover. The combination of sustained static loading (the muscles holding your head up for hours on end), repetitive movements (thousands of mouse clicks per day), and psychosocial stress creates a perfect environment for occupational overuse disorders.
Common Ergonomic Problems and Their Solutions
- Monitor too low or too high: Causes sustained neck flexion (forward head) or extension. Solution: monitor at eye level, approximately 60–80 cm from face.
- Mouse too far away: Forces sustained shoulder abduction and elbow extension, loading the rotator cuff and lateral epicondyle. Solution: mouse close to body, elbow at 90°.
- Chair too low: Increases hip flexion load on the lumbar spine. Solution: chair height adjusted so knees are at 90–100° with feet flat on floor.
- Screen glare: Causes sustained forward lean toward screen. Solution: screen perpendicular to windows, anti-glare filter if needed.
- No lumbar support: Allows prolonged lumbar flexion (slumping). Solution: lumbar roll or chair with adjustable lumbar support.
WorkCover and Physiotherapy
If your pain arose from or was significantly aggravated by your work, you may be entitled to WorkSafe Victoria coverage for physiotherapy. We handle all WorkCover billing directly and can complete required forms. Your first step is to report the injury to your employer and see your GP to lodge a claim.
Ergonomic Assessment and Treatment at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora
Our physiotherapists provide workplace injury assessment and treatment, ergonomic advice, and WorkCover physiotherapy. Call (03) 9467 6900 or book online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common work-related injuries treated with physiotherapy?
Neck pain and cervicogenic headaches from sustained screen postures, shoulder impingement and rotator cuff tendinopathy from overhead work, lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow) from repetitive computer mouse use, De Quervain's tenosynovitis from repetitive gripping, carpal tunnel syndrome from sustained wrist postures and keyboard use, and low back pain from prolonged sitting and manual handling.
Can WorkCover fund physiotherapy for a work injury?
Yes. Physiotherapy for workplace injuries is covered by WorkSafe Victoria (WorkCover). Your employer lodges a claim, and once accepted, physiotherapy costs are fully covered by the insurer — with no out-of-pocket expense to you. We handle all WorkCover billing directly, with no upfront payment required from the worker.
What is the correct sitting posture for desk work?
Key ergonomic principles: feet flat on the floor (or a footrest), knees at 90–100°, lower back supported by the chair's lumbar support, elbows at desk height with forearms parallel to the floor, monitor at arm's length and eye level (top of screen), keyboard and mouse close to the body. However, no single posture maintained all day is ideal — regular movement breaks every 30 minutes are more important than any specific position.
Are standing desks better for your back?
Standing desks help reduce prolonged sitting, but standing all day also causes problems — lower limb fatigue, varicose veins, and increased low back loading. The evidence suggests alternating between sitting and standing (approximately 50/50) is optimal. A physio or ergonomist can advise on optimal sit-stand ratios and standing desk setup.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora