Why Timing Matters: The Case for Early Physiotherapy in Work-Related Injuries

 

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) remain one of the most common causes of occupational injury and lost productivity across Australia. These injuries that are often affecting the back, neck, shoulders, and upper limbs typically arise from repetitive strain, heavy lifting, poor ergonomics, or prolonged static postures (Sundstrup et al., 2020).

While many injured workers eventually recover, research shows that the timing of physiotherapy intervention can significantly influence how quickly and effectively that recovery occurs.

At Lexington Health, we witness firsthand the difference that early intervention makes in helping workers return to their jobs sooner, with fewer complications and better outcomes. But don’t just take our word for it, here’s what the latest evidence tells us.

Early Physiotherapy = Faster Recovery & Fewer Complications

Multiple systematic reviews and large cohort studies support the benefits of early physiotherapy for acute WMSDs:

  • Workers who start physiotherapy within 7 days of injury recover faster and return to work sooner than those who delay care (Mekonnen et al., 2025; Morgan et al., 2025).
  • Case duration and total number of treatment sessions are both reduced when treatment is initiated within the first week (Morgan et al., 2025; Zigenfus et al., 2000).
  • Delaying physiotherapy by more than 30 days can result in a fourfold increase in time off work (Mekonnen et al., 2025).

In one U.S. study involving over 100,000 workers, initiating physical therapy within 2–7 days of injury significantly shortened the recovery timeline and improved discharge outcomes (Morgan et al., 2025). Similarly, Australian compensation data shows a strong relationship between delayed treatment and prolonged work disability (Mekonnen et al., 2025).

Why Early Intervention Works

Early physiotherapy isn’t just about symptom relief, it kickstarts recovery and reduces the risk of long-term complications. Key elements include:

  • Patient education on safe movement, pain management, and realistic expectations (Ojha et al., 2016)
  • Active rehabilitation focused on functional restoration and mobility
  • Addressing psychosocial factors early to reduce fear-avoidance and improve mood (Ojha et al., 2016)
  • Liaising with occupational health providers to tailor return-to-work plans (Cullen et al., 2018)

These strategies not only improve short-term outcomes but also help prevent chronic pain and prolonged disability.

The Cost of Waiting

Waiting for physiotherapy may seem harmless, but it’s consistently linked to worse outcomes. A systematic review by Deslauriers et al. (2021) found that longer wait times for outpatient physiotherapy led to poorer clinical recovery, reduced mental well-being, and greater burden on the healthcare system.

For injured workers and employers, delayed treatment can mean:

  • Longer time off work
  • Higher compensation and healthcare costs
  • Reduced chance of returning to pre-injury duties
  • Increased risk of chronic disability

Fast-Track Physiotherapy: A Win for Workers and Workplaces

Providing timely access to physiotherapy, whether through direct referral, fast-track programs, or on-site services, should be a core component of injury management.

At Lexington Physiotherapy, we work closely with employers, general practitioners, insurers, and case managers to ensure rapid access to evidence-based care.

Take Action: Don’t Delay Recovery

If you or a team member has recently sustained a work-related injury, early physiotherapy could be the key to a faster, safer recovery. Prompt treatment leads to better outcomes, fewer treatment visits, and reduced disruption to work and life.

Contact Lexington Health today to arrange an assessment and begin your recovery journey.

 

References

Cullen, K. L., Irvin, E., Collie, A., Clay, F., Gensby, U., Jennings, P. A., … & MacEachen, E. (2018). Effectiveness of workplace interventions in return-to-work for musculoskeletal, pain-related and mental health conditions: An update of the evidence and messages for practitioners. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 28(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-016-9690-x

Deslauriers, S., Desmeules, F., Laroche, M., Boudreault, É., & Feldman, D. E. (2021). The effects of waiting for outpatient physiotherapy services in persons with musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 37(4), 422–437. https://doi.org/10.1080/09593985.2019.1620057

Mekonnen, T. H., Sheehan, L. R., Di Donato, M., Collie, A., & Russell, G. (2025). Relationship between the timing of physical therapy commencement and the duration of work disability: A retrospective cohort analysis of work-related low back pain claims. BMC Public Health, 25(1), Article 1329. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-16274-0

Morgan, M., Shinost, C., Mendez, S., Klose, J., Lee, G., Forte, R., Lane, T., & Klinker, M. (2025). The effect of early physical therapy intervention on case duration and physical therapy visits in acute work-related musculoskeletal injuries across body regions: A retrospective cohort study. JOSPT Open, 3(3). https://doi.org/10.2519/josptopen.2025.0301

Ojha, H. A., Wyrsta, N. J., Davenport, T. E., Egan, W. E., & Gellhorn, A. C. (2016). Timing of physical therapy initiation for nonsurgical management of musculoskeletal disorders and effects on patient outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 46(2), 56–70. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2016.6139

Sundstrup, E., Seeberg, K. G. V., Bengtsen, E., Andersen, L. L. (2020). A systematic review of workplace interventions to rehabilitate musculoskeletal disorders among workers with physical demands. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 30(2), 222–246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-019-09855-9

Zigenfus, G. C., Yin, J., Giang, G. M., & Fogarty, W. T. (2000). Effectiveness of early physical therapy intervention in acute low back musculoskeletal disorders. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 42(1), 35–39. https://doi.org/10.1097/00043764-200001000-00008

 

Written by: Ben Black