For some people with joint and muscle pain, also known as musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, making changes at work can mean that they are able to stay in work or make a more timely return to work. This is important as research shows that the longer you are off work for the harder it can be to return. 

If your MSK condition is affecting your ability to remain in or return to work, it could be worth seeing if there are any changes that could be made in work that could help. We call these changes workplace modifications.  

The information on this page explains what workplace modifications are and how they can be applied. 

Workplace modifications can help ensure that you're able to carry out your job safely and effectively. They can be temporary or permanent. Examples include:

  • providing additional training.
  • modifying work patterns and working hours — such as working from home.
  • flexi-time or part-time work.
  • modifying specific  work tasks.
  • allowing a phased return to work.
  • allowing an employee to be absent from work for treatment or rehabilitation.
  • changes to work equipment and furniture.
  • allowing extra time for breaks or adjusting the workload.

This is not an exhaustive list and any adjustments should be specific to your individual role.

If you feel you would benefit from making some workplace adjustments to help you manage you musculoskeletal condition, it is crucial that you discuss this with your manager sooner rather than later.

It can be daunting to go straight into your full working hours and role after a period of absence. A phased return to work can be beneficial as it allows you to gradually return to your work without having to be 100%. It can also help ease you back into your usual work in a way that's best for you, whilst maintaining your recovery.

Commonly, a phased return to work lasts between two to six weeks but can be longer if necessary. This can be dependent on your employers local procedure. You might also find that your employer will allow flexible working as a way to return to work whilst maintaining your recovery. For example, working from home or changing your working pattern.

Case studies

Read the stories below to find out about different types of changes that you can make in the workplace and the difference it can make. 

Woman driving a fork lift truck at workJane is a 32-year-old forklift truck driver.

Recently, Jane has been experiencing pain in the right side of her neck when looking over her right shoulder to reverse her forklift truck - something she does frequently throughout her working day. Jane normally works three, 12-hour shifts per week, with a break every four hours during her shift.

Jane waited a couple of weeks thinking things may settle down, but if anything she felt it was getting worse. Jane went to her line manager to discuss her problem, they agreed that she would change her working pattern to five seven-hour shifts and take breaks every hour for the next four weeks. Jane's line manager also advised her to see her GP and discuss a referral to her local physiotherapy service.

As a result of these workplace modifications, Jane was able to return to her normal working hours and now has a better idea of what she can do herself to manage any similar issues in the future.

Man working at a desk-based jobFreddie is a 35-year-old computer analyst. He works 9.00am to 5.00pm, five days a week and is predominantly desk based.

For two weeks, Freddie experienced low back pain and sciatica that gradually got worse. He eventually went off sick for five days as he couldn't sit for longer than 10 minutes but has a 45-minute commute to and from work. Freddie was keen to return to work so, arranged a telephone meeting with his manager. Freddie was also referred to his local musculoskeletal physiotherapy service by his GP.

During their telephone meeting, Freddie and his manager agreed that he could work from home with a reduced caseload. 

Over the next few weeks, Freddie's pain began to improve with some physiotherapy treatment so he and his manager began to plan his return to the office. They agreed he would start by coming in three days a week on short days, and building up to his full time hours over the next three to four weeks.

Freddie successfully returned to work and he now has exercises and advice from his physiotherapist that will hopefully, help prevent this from happening again in the future.

Nathan's photo.jpegNathan is a 52-year-old site managers at a larger warehouse.

​Nathan's job involves walking up to 10 miles per day. Nathan sprained his ankle at home and has been off work for the last six weeks as a result. Nathan has been having physiotherapy treatment and is keen to get back to work now his ankle is feeling better, so he arranged a meeting with his manager to discuss the possibility of phased return to work. Nathan normally works four-10 hour shifts per week.

During their meeting Nathan and his manager agreed that he would start by working three, five-hour shifts per week, working every other day and taking regular breaks to rest as needed. He would then gradually build up to his normal full time hours over the following four to six weeks whilst continuing with his physiotherapy treatment.

Nathan successfully returned to his full hours and duties and has not experienced any long-term problems with his ankle. 

Disclaimer: The content on this page is provided for general information purposes only and is not meant to replace a physiotherapy or medical consultation.

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