Workplace Recovery: Overuse Injuries at Work and How Exercise Physiology Helps

Overuse injuries are one of the most common barriers to effective workplace recovery. Whether you work at a desk, on a factory floor, or on a building site, repetitive movements and poor ergonomics can gradually lead to pain and dysfunction.

At Move Right EP, our Accredited Exercise Physiologists specialise in workplace recovery, helping you understand, treat, and prevent overuse injuries so you can get back to work and stay there, injury-free.

What Are Overuse Injuries?

Overuse injuries occur when repeated stress is placed on muscles, tendons, or joints without enough time for recovery. Unlike acute injuries, which happen suddenly, overuse injuries develop gradually and are often overlooked until they start to impact your ability to work.

• How do they happen? Common causes include repetitive tasks, poor posture, inadequate rest, and improper technique.

• Who is at risk? Anyone can be affected, but people in jobs involving frequent lifting, typing, tool use, or standing for long periods are at higher risk.

Typical Overuse Injury Conditions

• Tendinitis (shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, Achilles)

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Lower back pain

• Rotator cuff injuries

• Plantar fasciitis

• Shin splints

• Stress fractures

• Bursitis

Why Rest Alone Isn’t Enough for Workplace Recovery

While rest can help reduce pain in the short term, it rarely addresses the underlying causes of overuse injuries. Prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and delay workplace recovery. Without targeted rehabilitation, returning to work too quickly or without proper support increases the risk of re-injury.

How Exercise Physiology Supports Workplace Recovery

Our Exercise Physiologists at Move Right EP take a comprehensive approach to workplace recovery. We start with a detailed assessment to identify the causes of your overuse injury, then design a personalised rehabilitation plan that includes:

• Restoring strength and flexibility to affected areas

• Correcting movement patterns and posture

• Gradual return-to-work tasks and activity modifications

• Education on injury prevention and self-management

• Collaboration with your GP, employer, and insurer for a coordinated recovery

Active Recovery for Long-Term Results

Active rehabilitation is key to effective workplace recovery. By building resilience and improving function, we help you return to work safely and confidently, and stay injury-free for the long term.

If you’re struggling with an overuse injury at work, Move Right EP’s evidence-based programs can help you achieve lasting workplace recovery. Contact us today to start your journey back to health and productivity.