How effective is workplace ergonomic assessment for repetitive strain injury?

A trained assessor watches how you sit, reach, grip, type, lift or repeat a task. They may review desk height, screen position, mouse or tool use, lighting and the pace of work. The aim is to reduce force, awkward wrist or shoulder positions and long periods without movement. This can make work more manageable, but it does not repair every cause of pain and it works best as part of a broader plan when symptoms are persistent.

Repetitive strain injury can involve muscles, tendons or nerves in the upper limb. The assessor should connect recommendations to the activity that brings on your pain, tingling, weakness or fatigue rather than giving a generic posture checklist.

Before the visit, note which task starts your symptoms, how quickly they appear and what eases them. During the assessment, demonstrate your usual work rather than an idealised version. Changes might include moving frequently used items closer, adjusting the chair or work surface, varying tasks, using a lighter grip and scheduling brief movement pauses. Introduce changes gradually and track whether symptoms during and after work improve.

Keep any physiotherapy exercises or medical treatment agreed with your clinician. A workstation change should not be used to push through increasing pain, numbness or loss of strength. Read more about [Workplace Ergonomic Assessment](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/workplace-ergonomic-assessment/).

Arrange a clinical assessment if pain, tingling or weakness continues despite reducing the aggravating task, interferes with sleep or affects daily activities. Seek prompt care for sudden loss of strength, marked swelling, a change in hand colour or sensation, or symptoms after a significant injury. An ergonomic review can address work demands, while a clinician can check for another problem such as nerve compression or tendon injury.

Could my symptoms be coming from a tendon, joint or nerve? Which work movements should I limit temporarily? What signs would mean I need testing or a different treatment? How should I combine workstation changes with exercises or rest?