From Injury to Recovery: What to Expect from Work-Related Rehab

Whether you’ve strained your back lifting something heavy, developed shoulder pain from desk work, or had a fall at work, injuries can happen in any type of job. What matters most is how you recover.

At Tewantin Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre, we understand that work-related injuries can impact not just your job, but also your ability to move comfortably through daily life. That’s why we take a holistic, step-by-step approach to recovery—designed to help you heal, rebuild strength, and get back to doing what you need and want to do.

So, what can you expect from rehab after a work injury? Here’s a breakdown of how we support your journey from injury to recovery.

Step 1: Understanding Your Injury

The first step in any successful rehab journey is understanding the injury—what caused it, what areas are affected, and how it’s impacting your movement.

During your first appointment, we’ll do a thorough assessment. This includes:

• Discussing how the injury occurred and how it feels day to day

• Looking at how you move, sit, lift, or perform job-specific tasks

• Testing your strength, flexibility, and joint mobility

• Identifying any contributing factors like posture, muscle imbalances, or repetitive strain

This helps us build a clear picture of what’s going on, so we can develop a plan tailored to your body and your job.

Step 2: Managing Pain and Inflammation

In the early stages of rehab, the goal is simple: reduce pain and inflammation.

Depending on your condition, this might include:

• Gentle movement and mobility exercises

• Hands-on treatment such as soft tissue therapy or joint mobilisation

• Advice on posture, rest positions, or modifying activities at work and home

• Taping or supports to protect the area while it heals

This phase helps settle your symptoms and prepare your body for more active recovery.

Step 3: Restoring Strength and Stability

Once your pain starts to improve, the next step is rebuilding strength, stability, and control in the affected area.

This is where physiotherapy truly shines—because it’s not just about recovery, it’s about building resilience.

We’ll guide you through targeted exercises that may include:

• Core strengthening (especially for back or hip issues)

• Shoulder and neck mobility and support exercises

• Leg and lower limb stability for standing or walking-heavy jobs

• Postural correction and ergonomic advice

Each program is adapted to your needs, progress, and the demands of your job.

Step 4: Functional Rehab and Return to Work Planning

As you progress, we move into what we call the “return to work” phase. This involves more job-specific movements, ensuring your body is ready to handle the tasks your role requires.

Depending on your job, this could include:

• Lifting, squatting, or reaching safely

• Simulated tasks that mimic your work demands

• Endurance training if you’re on your feet for long hours

• Desk setup and posture training for office-based roles

We’ll also work with your return-to-work team (if applicable) to make sure your plan fits both your recovery and your workplace’s expectations.

Step 5: Preventing Re-Injury and Staying Strong

The final step in your rehab journey is making sure the same issue doesn’t return. This means building good habits, maintaining strength, and knowing how to listen to your body.

We’ll help you with:

• Long-term maintenance exercises

• Advice on pacing, lifting techniques, and workday structure

• Education on early warning signs and when to get help

• Support if your job or routine changes and you need to adjust

Why Choose Tewantin Physiotherapy for Work-Related Rehab?

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. At Tewantin Physiotherapy, our 3 Phase Pain to Performance model is built around your job, your goals, and your lifestyle.

Whether your injury came from lifting, typing, standing all day, or something unexpected, we’ll guide you through a clear and supportive path to recovery. And we’re not just focused on getting you back to work—we’re here to help you move better and feel stronger in every part of your life.

Let’s Get You Back to Work—and Life—With Confidence

Work injuries can be frustrating and disruptive, but with the right support, recovery is absolutely achievable. Whether you're just starting your rehab journey or struggling to make progress, we're here to help.

Reach out to Tewantin Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre today to book your assessment and take the next step toward moving well, working comfortably, and feeling more like yourself again.

👉 Book your appointment now and let’s get started.