physiotherapy treatment for work-related musculoskeletal disorders

What Are Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders?

Unlike sudden injuries, work-related MSDs typically develop gradually over weeks or months. You might initially notice mild discomfort that eases after work, but without intervention, symptoms often progress to persistent pain that affects both your job and daily life. The good news is that early physiotherapy intervention can halt this progression and restore full function in most cases.

Common types of work-related MSDs

At CK Physiotherapy, we see all these conditions regularly among West London's working population. Our holistic approach addresses not just your symptoms, but the underlying workplace factors that contributed to your condition.

The Scale of the Problem: UK Workplace MSD Statistics

The Health and Safety Executive's 2025 statistics reveal the significant burden of work-related MSDs in Britain. Understanding this data helps illustrate why early intervention and proper workplace ergonomics matter so much for your long-term health and career.

Which body parts are most affected?

Notably, upper limb and neck injuries have increased from 37% to 41% of cases in just one year—a shift that reflects changing work patterns including the widespread adoption of remote and hybrid working. This is a trend CK Physiotherapy has observed directly among our patients in Ealing, Hanwell and across West London.

Industries with highest MSD rates

While MSDs affect workers across all sectors, certain industries show significantly higher rates per 100,000 workers:

• Construction: 2,000 cases per 100,000 workers
• Transportation and storage: 1,800 cases per 100,000
• Administrative and support services: 1,700 cases per 100,000
• Health and social care: over 1,400 cases per 100,000
• All industries average: 1,180 cases per 100,000

Remote and Hybrid Work: The New Ergonomic Challenge

The shift to home working has created a distinct ergonomic crisis. Research consistently shows dramatic increases in musculoskeletal complaints among remote workers, with many developing chronic pain conditions that could have been prevented with proper workspace setup and early intervention.

Why home working causes more MSDs

A Versus Arthritis survey found that 4 in 5 workers (80%) who began working remotely developed musculoskeletal pain—with 89% not informing their employer. The causes are clear:

• 37% of homeworkers still don't use a designated working desk
• 22% work at "any available surface"—often sofas or beds
• 75% have never had their home workspace assessed by their employer
• Laptop screens positioned too low, causing neck flexion
• Lack of adjustable chairs and proper lumbar support

Understanding "tech neck"

"Tech neck" has become one of the most common conditions we treat at CK Physiotherapy. This chronic neck and shoulder pain develops from poor posture whilst using technology. Your head weighs 10-12 pounds in a neutral position, but at a 45-degree forward tilt—common when looking down at a laptop or phone—this creates 42-60 pounds of effective pressure on your cervical spine.

Symptoms of tech neck include upper back and neck stiffness, muscle spasms between shoulder blades, tension headaches, and referred pain into the arms and hands. Without treatment, these symptoms typically worsen over time, potentially leading to disc problems and nerve compression.

Your employer's legal obligations for home working

The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 apply equally to home and office workers who use screens for one or more hours continuously. Your employer must:

• Conduct DSE workstation assessments for all eligible workers
• Assess both home and office workstations for hybrid workers
• Reduce identified ergonomic risks
• Provide training on proper workstation setup
• Plan appropriate work breaks

Importantly, employers cannot charge you for necessary DSE equipment. If your home setup is causing pain, speak to your manager or HR department—you have a legal right to a safe working environment regardless of location.

How Physiotherapy Treats Work-Related MSDs

Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, with NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines recommending it as a first-line treatment. At CK Physiotherapy, we use evidence-based approaches that address both your immediate symptoms and the underlying causes of your condition.

NICE-recommended approaches

For conditions like low back pain—the most common work-related MSD—NICE guideline NG59 recommends a stepped approach:

Why early intervention matters

Research consistently demonstrates that delays in physiotherapy treatment significantly worsen outcomes. A 2025 study of over 83,000 patients published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that starting physiotherapy within 0-2 days of symptom onset was associated with substantially shorter recovery times and fewer treatment sessions needed.

Each day of delay resulted in a 2% drop in the likelihood of full recovery. This is why CK Physiotherapy offers rapid access appointments—often within 24-48 hours—to help you begin treatment when it's most effective.

Return-to-work success rates

The evidence for physiotherapy supporting successful return-to-work is compelling. IPRS Health data from 2024 shows that 96% of employees who accessed workplace physiotherapy were able to return to work, saving employers over 140,000 working days collectively.

At CK Physiotherapy, we understand that your goal isn't just to reduce pain—it's to return to your job confidently and prevent recurrence. Our treatment plans include workplace-specific advice, ergonomic guidance, and graduated return-to-activity programmes tailored to your role's physical demands.

Treatment modalities we use

Depending on your specific condition and needs, your physiotherapy treatment at CK Physiotherapy may include:

• Manual therapy: Joint mobilisation, manipulation and massage to reduce pain and restore movement
• Therapeutic exercise: Strengthening, stretching and motor control exercises tailored to your condition
• Electrotherapy: Including TENS for pain relief and therapeutic ultrasound for tissue healing
• Shockwave therapy: Particularly effective for tendon problems and chronic conditions
• Postural assessment and correction: Identifying and addressing the movement patterns contributing to your symptoms
• Ergonomic advice: Practical guidance for optimising your workstation setup

When to Seek Physiotherapy (and Warning Signs to Watch For)

Knowing when to seek professional help versus when to self-manage can be confusing. Here's guidance to help you make the right decision for your situation.

Self-management is appropriate when:

• Pain improves within days to two weeks
• No radiating symptoms (numbness, tingling or shooting pain)
• Pain is manageable with movement, rest and over-the-counter painkillers
• You can continue daily activities with minor modifications

See a physiotherapist if:

How to Access Physiotherapy in the UK

There are several pathways to physiotherapy treatment in the UK, each with different waiting times, costs and benefits. Understanding your options helps you make an informed choice based on your circumstances.

NHS physiotherapy

NHS physiotherapy is free at the point of use but access varies significantly by region. MSK waiting lists have grown by 27% since January 2024, with some areas reporting waits of 15-50 weeks. However, many NHS areas now allow self-referral to MSK physiotherapy without needing to see your GP first—check with your local NHS trust for availability.

First Contact Physiotherapists (FCPs)

A significant improvement in NHS access has been the introduction of First Contact Physiotherapists at GP practices. By 2024, most adults in England can see an MSK FCP at their local GP surgery without GP referral, often same-day or next-day. FCPs manage 79% of cases with self-care advice and physiotherapy alone, at a lower cost to the NHS (£41-44 per patient versus £105.50 for the GP-led pathway).

Private physiotherapy

Private physiotherapy offers rapid access—typically within 24-48 hours—with appointments that fit your schedule, including early morning, late evening and weekend options. At CK Physiotherapy, we offer flexible appointments across our West London clinic and through home visits for those who find it difficult to travel.

Many UK health insurance policies include physiotherapy cover, and some employers offer funded access as part of their occupational health provision—it's worth checking your benefits package. Given the evidence that early intervention improves outcomes, private access often represents good value when NHS waits are lengthy.

Your Workplace Rights

UK employees have substantial legal protections when it comes to work-related musculoskeletal conditions. Understanding your rights empowers you to access appropriate support and adjustments.

Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Regulations

Under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, if you use a computer screen for one or more hours continuously as part of your normal work, your employer must:

• Conduct a workstation risk assessment (including for home workers)
• Take steps to reduce any risks identified
• Provide training on proper workstation setup
• Plan work so you have regular breaks from DSE work
• Provide free eye tests for DSE users upon request

Equality Act 2010: Reasonable adjustments

Under the Equality Act 2010, musculoskeletal conditions may qualify as a disability if they have a "substantial" and "long-term" (12+ months) negative effect on your ability to carry out normal daily activities. If this applies to you, your employer has a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments, which may include:

Fit notes and returning to work

The fit note system supports your return to work. You can self-certify for the first 7 days of illness. Beyond this, fit notes can be issued by GPs, physiotherapists (since 2022), nurses and occupational therapists. Fit notes can specify "may be fit for work with adjustments"—if your employer cannot accommodate these adjustments, the note effectively counts as "not fit for work."

At CK Physiotherapy, our Chartered Physiotherapists can issue fit notes and provide detailed advice to employers about appropriate workplace modifications to support your recovery and return to full duties.

Self-Help Strategies for Desk Workers

While professional physiotherapy is often needed to treat established conditions, there's much you can do to prevent work-related MSDs and manage mild symptoms. These evidence-based strategies complement your physiotherapy treatment.

Optimal workstation setup

Movement breaks: the 20-20-20 rule

Prolonged static postures are a primary cause of work-related MSDs. The 20-20-20 rule provides a simple framework: every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away. Additionally, stand up and move around at least every 30-45 minutes.

Desk stretches to do throughout the day

These gentle stretches can help prevent stiffness and discomfort. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds without bouncing:

1. Neck stretches: Slowly tilt your ear towards your shoulder on each side. Then gently look down towards each armpit.
2. Shoulder rolls: Roll shoulders backward in large circles 10 times, then forward 10 times.
3. Chest opener: Clasp hands behind your back, squeeze shoulder blades together and lift arms slightly.
4. Seated spinal twist: Sitting upright, rotate your trunk to one side, using the chair arm for gentle leverage. Repeat on the other side.
5. Wrist stretches: Extend your arm, palm up. Use your other hand to gently pull fingers back towards you. Then repeat palm down.

For more detailed guidance on managing work-related pain, see our article on back pain relief for remote workers or our guide to RSI treatment and prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Don't Let Work Pain Hold You Back

CK Physiotherapy offers rapid-access appointments across West London—often within 24-48 hours. Our holistic, evidence-based approach helps you recover quickly and prevents recurrence.

Or call us on 020 8997 2220 to speak with our team

References and Further Reading

1. Health and Safety Executive. (2025). Health and safety statistics 2024/25. www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overview.htm
2. NICE. (2020). Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59). www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng59
3. NHS. (2024). Back pain. www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/
4. UK Government. (1992). Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/2792
5. UK Government. (2010). Equality Act 2010 Guidance. www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance
6. Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. (2024). CSP Workforce Report. www.csp.org.uk
7. CIPD. (2025). Health and Wellbeing at Work Report. www.cipd.org/uk/knowledge/reports/health-well-being-work/