Ergonomic Assessment

Ergonomic Assessment

You adjusted your chair, bought a new monitor stand, and the neck pain still returns by Wednesday. The problem is rarely the equipment alone. At SportsHealth Physio, our ergonomic assessments look at the full picture: your workstation, your posture, and how they interact.

What Is an Ergonomic Assessment?

An ergonomic assessment is a structured evaluation of the relationship between you, your workstation, and your working habits, conducted by a qualified physiotherapist. It goes beyond whether your chair is at the right height. It examines how your body loads and moves throughout the working day, what your current setup asks of your posture, and where your risk of injury or ongoing discomfort is highest.

The outcome is a clear, written set of recommendations designed to reduce physical strain, support recovery from any existing injury, and help you work more comfortably.

Who Is an Ergonomic Assessment For?

An ergonomic assessment at SportsHealth Physio may be appropriate for:

  • Office workers experiencing recurring neck, upper back, or shoulder pain linked to desk work

  • People with lower back pain who spend long hours seated

  • Workers returning to their desk following a workplace injury

  • WorkCover patients whose physiotherapist has identified a workstation review as part of their rehabilitation

  • Employers or HR professionals seeking workplace health and injury prevention assessments for staff

  • Anyone who has adjusted their desk setup independently without achieving lasting improvement

What the Assessment Covers

Your physiotherapist will conduct a systematic review of your workstation and working practices. This typically includes evaluation of:

  • Chair height, lumbar support, and seat depth

  • Monitor height, viewing distance, and angle

  • Keyboard and mouse placement and usage patterns

  • Lighting conditions and screen glare

  • Desk height and available workspace layout

  • Head, neck, and shoulder posture during typical work tasks

  • Wrist and forearm loading from keyboard and mouse use

  • Work habits, including break frequency and movement patterns throughout the day

  • Existing symptoms, areas of discomfort, or conditions identified prior to the assessment

What You Receive

Following the assessment, you will receive a written ergonomic report outlining the physiotherapist's findings and a prioritised list of practical recommendations. This typically includes:

  • Workstation adjustments you can make immediately

  • Suggestions for equipment changes where relevant, such as chair type, monitor stand, or keyboard and mouse alternatives

  • Postural correction strategies and movement habits to adopt throughout the working day

  • A referral for physiotherapy treatment if active pain or injury is identified during the assessment

  • A written record suitable for submission to WorkSafe Victoria, your employer, or your HR team if required

On-Site and Remote Assessments

Ergonomic assessments at SportsHealth Physio are delivered in three formats: in-clinic at our Richmond or South Yarra locations, on-site at your workplace, or remotely via video consultation. The most appropriate format will depend on your individual situation and the nature of the assessment. Please contact us to discuss which option suits your needs.

WorkCover and Employer Funding

Ergonomic assessments may be funded through WorkSafe Victoria as part of a WorkCover rehabilitation plan. If you are managing a workplace injury, your physiotherapist can request approval for an ergonomic assessment through your WorkSafe case manager where this is clinically indicated.

SportsHealth Physio holds EIPF certification (Early Intervention Physiotherapy Framework) through WorkSafe Victoria. Our physiotherapists are experienced in coordinating care, documentation, and communication within the WorkCover system.

Employers may also commission ergonomic assessments independently, as part of a workplace health and safety program or in response to staff injury or discomfort. Please contact the clinic to discuss employer referral arrangements and group assessment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.

Contact Us

  • No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment. If you are a WorkCover patient, your treating physiotherapist will coordinate the referral and approval process through WorkSafe Victoria on your behalf.

  • An ergonomic assessment typically takes between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of the setup and the number of concerns being reviewed. Your physiotherapist will advise on expected duration when you book.

  • Yes. Following your assessment, your physiotherapist will provide a written report with specific findings and prioritised recommendations. This report can be kept for your own reference, shared with your employer or HR team, or submitted to WorkSafe Victoria if your assessment forms part of a WorkCover claim.

  • We offer ergonomic assessments in three formats: in-clinic at our Richmond or South Yarra locations, on-site at your workplace, or remotely via video consultation. Your physiotherapist will help determine which format best suits your situation when you book.

  • Ergonomic assessments may be approved as part of a WorkCover rehabilitation plan under WorkSafe Victoria. Approval is typically requested by your treating physiotherapist based on clinical need. If you are currently under a WorkCover claim and believe a workstation review may be relevant to your recovery, raise it with your physiotherapist at your next appointment.

  • Recommendations vary depending on what is identified. Common suggestions include adjustments to chair height and lumbar support, monitor positioning, keyboard and mouse placement, and changes to break patterns and movement habits throughout the working day. Equipment changes may be suggested where current items are contributing to strain, though practical positional adjustments are often sufficient.

  • Yes. SportsHealth Physio can work with employers and HR teams to arrange assessments for individual staff or groups. Assessments can support workplace health and safety obligations and may help address or prevent musculoskeletal complaints in the workplace. Contact the clinic to discuss your requirements.

  • If your physiotherapist identifies active pain, injury, or a condition that would benefit from treatment, they will discuss this with you and can arrange a physiotherapy consultation. For WorkCover patients, any additional treatment required will be coordinated with your WorkSafe case manager.

  • A physiotherapist-led assessment involves a qualified clinician directly observing your posture, movement patterns, and workstation setup in real time. This allows for a personalised evaluation that accounts for your body, your symptoms, and your specific work demands, rather than a generalised checklist. The written report produced is clinically informed and can be used for WorkCover, employer, or HR documentation purposes.

  • Many workstation adjustments can be made immediately and may provide relief relatively quickly for desk-related discomfort. Postural changes and new movement habits generally take longer to embed. If physiotherapy treatment is also recommended, your physiotherapist will discuss realistic timelines based on your specific condition.

Book an Appointment

Same-day appointments are available. No referral required.

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