Many people who work experience injuries related to their obligations at work. Everyone is at risk of experiencing a Work Injury, regardless of the nature of their jobs.. In Australia, 3.5% of all workers report experiencing a work-related injury or illness each year, a figure that highlights how widespread these issues truly are (Safe Work Australia, 2025). Physical roles such as those in Trades, Manufacturing, and Technical fields continue to show higher rates of sprains, back pain, shoulder pain, and knee injuries. Meanwhile, desk-based workers experience elevated rates of conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, neck pain, and headache, reflecting the different physical demands of sedentary work. The reality is simple: every job carries its own pattern of risk.
Early assessment is one of the strongest predictors of a successful recovery. Timely treatment reduces the likelihood of long-term disability and improves return‑to‑work outcomes, with national data showing that workers who receive early intervention return to work significantly faster than those who delay care (Safe Work Australia, 2024). Quick action also strengthens communication between you and your treating clinician, ensuring that your recovery plan is aligned with your work demands and personal goals. Early intervention is the most effective strategy for minimising time away from work.
If you’ve experienced a work injury, you may be eligible for subsidised treatment under WorkCover or WorkSafe. At Atlas Physio, we do not charge a gap fee for WorkCover or TAC clients, making treatment more accessible when you need it most. Some items—such as gait aids, gym or pool memberships, imaging, or specialised reporting—may fall outside the subsidised schedule, so it’s important to discuss these details with your clinician.
Your treatment plan will always depend on the nature of your injury, the physical requirements of your job, your expected timeline for returning to work, and your weekly schedule. These factors are explored thoroughly during your initial assessment, which forms the basis for reducing pain and restoring comfort. From there, your physiotherapist tailors a plan that focuses on relieving symptoms, restoring pain‑free movement, and building long‑term strategies to reduce the risk of future flare‑ups. A personalised plan is the strongest predictor of long-term recovery success.
National data reinforces the importance of structured rehabilitation. Between 2018–19 and 2023–24, Australia recorded over 1.8 million emergency department presentations for injury, demonstrating the scale of the issue and the need for coordinated care pathways (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2025). Over the past decade, more than 1,165,100 workers have made a serious workers’ compensation claim, underscoring the importance of accessible, evidence‑based rehabilitation services (OHS Reps, 2024).
At Atlas Physio, we guide you with clear education, structured management, and ongoing support both in the clinic and at home. We make care easy to access by opening seven days a week, offering evening appointments, providing bulk billing for eligible clients, and ensuring no gap fees for WorkCover or TAC clients. Get in touch today to take the first step toward feeling more comfortable, moving with confidence, and enjoying care that is practical, dependable, and designed to deliver lasting results
REFERENCES
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2025). Injury in Australia: Injury trends. Retrieved 13th December 2025 from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/injury/injury-in-australia/contents/injury-trends
OHS Reps. (2024). Australia: High rates of workplace injury, illness continue. Retrieved 13th December 2025 from https://www.ohsrep.org.au/research_australia_high_rates_of_workplace_injury_illness_continue
Safe Work Australia. (2024). Early Intervention in the Workers' Compensation Process. Retrieved 13th December 2025 from https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-04/early_intervention_in_the_workers_compensation_process_-_final_report.pdf
Safe Work Australia. (2025). Key Work Health and Safety Statistics Australia 2025. Retrieved 13th December 2025 from https://data.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/insights/key-whs-statistics-australia/latest-release