During the course of our lives, we use our bodies to interact with the world around us. Whether we're shopping for groceries, sitting at our desks in front of our laptops and screens, doing yard work, or even playing games with our loved ones, all of these activities require us to use our bodies in different physical postures. A posture refers to the position in which the body is held while completing a specific activity. Naturally, because there is an infinite number of activities that we can engage in, there are infinite different postures that our bodies can assume, either voluntarily or involuntarily. These postures can be static; held in position for long periods of time like an office-worker sitting at their desk, or they can be dynamic; as in the case of a motor mechanic tightening screws or a woodworker who would need to stand, sit, lie, and kneel to get the best angle on their project. Because of the number of postures we need to assume, their varied and often awkward nature, and the time we need to maintain them, postural pain is very common.
Postural pain is not limited to a specific occupation, a specific level of engagement, or a specific group of people by gender or age. Anyone who has felt stiff after a long-haul flight or felt a pain in their neck after watching a movie has experienced postural pain. People experience postural pain in different places depending on the nature of the activity: pain can be felt in the neck, in the shoulders, the back, the hands, the hips and in the knees. The pain can be sharp and aggravated by specific movements, or dull and persistent without becoming particularly severe. Regardless of the behaviour of the pain, postural pain is largely the result of muscular strain and tension that has accumulated over a short or long period of time, which then combine with a person's unique anatomy and physiology to produce discomfort. Global estimates indicate that 30–40% of adults experience low back pain at any given time (IASP, 2022). Neck pain affects 15–20% of the population, while shoulder pain affects a similar proportion (IASP, 2022). Among young adults, recent epidemiological work found that over 70% report at least one musculoskeletal symptom linked to postural demands (Pacheco et al., 2023). A systematic review further demonstrates that musculoskeletal pain prevalence remains high across both rural and urban populations worldwide, with evidence suggesting that musculoskeletal, hip and shoulder pain are more prevalent in rural than urban areas, (Mesa‑Castrillon et al., 2024). Even in university settings, more than half of students report posture‑related musculoskeletal pain, highlighting how early and broadly these issues emerge (Zainudin et al., 2024). Postural pain is one of the most common physical complaints across the lifespan, and this makes it a major contributor to global musculoskeletal burden. Every incidence of postural pain is different, and arises from a unique combination of anatomical, occupational, personal and environmental factors.
With this in mind, how do you deal with postural pain? If we use our bodies to interact with the environment, and that environment produces strain, and that strain can eventually become so severe as to produce pain, how do we begin to address the issue? Postural strain is the predictable outcome of repeated physical demands, and understanding this helps guide effective intervention. A physiotherapy-driven approach to addressing postural pain looks at all of these factors. Through physiotherapy, the first approach is to improve the strength and endurance of the muscles responsible for maintaining posture. This can be done generally through global strength and conditioning, or with work that specifically targets muscle groups relevant to a particular activity like lifting or rotating. Strength is one of the most powerful protective factors against postural discomfort, and improving muscular endurance helps reduce the accumulation of strain over time. The second appropach is to examine the environment in which the work is taking place, and to rearrange either the environment or the worker within it to minimise the accumulating stress over time, and thus minimise the risk of a flare-up. Lastly, postural pain that is already present can be managed in clinic using a targeted approach that minimises the present discomfort and then addresses the underlying contributing factors discussed earlier.Environment shapes posture more than most people realise, and even small ergonomic adjustments can significantly reduce cumulative stress. A truly comprehensive approach will address postural discomfort by employing elements of all three approaches. A holistic approach is the most effective way to manage postural pain, because it acknowledges the interplay between the body, the task, and the environment.
Managing discomfort involves looking at its causes, how it changes throughout the day, what eases or aggravates it, and how long you’ve been experiencing it. Your initial assessment will cover all of these factors and lay the groundwork for reducing pain and improving movement. Treatment is tailored to your needs, focusing on easing discomfort, restoring pain-free mobility, and creating a plan that helps reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
At Atlas Physio, we provide education, structured management, and ongoing monitoring of your progress both in the clinic and at home. To keep care accessible, we are open seven days a week with evening appointments available, bulk billing is offered for eligible clients, and there is no gap for WorkCover or TAC clients. Reach out today to arrange your assessment and take the first step toward living more comfortably and confidently, supported by care that is practical, reliable, and designed to deliver lasting results.
REFERENCES
International Association for the Study of Pain. (2022). Epidemiology of musculoskeletal pain. Retrieved 14th December 2025 from https://www.iasp-pain.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Epidemiology_Final.pdf
Mesa‑Castrillon, C. I., Beckenkamp, P. R., Ferreira, M., Simic, M., Davis, P. R., Michell, A., Pappas, E., Luscombe, G., & De Noronha, M. (2024). Global prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in rural and urban populations: A systematic review and meta‑analysis. Australian Journal of Rural Health. 32(5).
Pacheco, M. P., Carvalho, P. J., Cavalheiro, L., & Sousa, F. M. (2023). Prevalence of postural changes and musculoskeletal disorders in young adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(24), 7191
Zainudin, F. F., Abdullah, S. N. F., Abadi, F. H., & Sankaravel, M. (2024). Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and level of postural awareness among varsity students. Malaysian Journal of Sport Science and Recreation, 20(1), 1–11