Physiotherapy for Office Workers & Desk Pain — Kāpiti Coast
Prolonged sitting, poor screen height, and repetitive movements are among the most common drivers of neck, back, and shoulder pain in New Zealand adults. If your pain gets worse through the work day or eases over the weekend, your work setup is worth considering as a possible a contributing factor.
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Bart de Vries is both a physiotherapist and the co-designer and CEO of Limber Desks, a company that designed what UC Berkeley professors have called “The world’s healthiest desks”. Limber desks were created to reduce back pain and encourage healthy movement at work and published research by UC Berkeley has show them to halve the level of discomfort felt for people working from a desk. Bart’s dual expertise means his approach to desk-related pain goes further than most.
Treatment addresses both the pain itself and the environmental factors driving it. Where relevant, Bart will offer practical ergonomic guidance as part of your session, changes to screen height, seating position, movement habits, and workstation setup that can make a measurable difference.
What Bart Treats — Office & Desk Workers
• Low back pain from sitting
• Neck and upper back pain from screen work
• Shoulder and arm pain from mouse and keyboard use
• Headaches of postural or cervical origin
• Wrist pain and RSI
• Workers returning to desk work after injury
• People preparing workstations for injury prevention
Clinical Approach
Your session will cover a movement assessment, hands-on treatment where appropriate, specific exercises to address weakness or tightness, and practical advice on your work setup. Many desk-pain patients find significant relief within 2–3 appointments when the contributing factors are properly identified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is desk-related pain covered by ACC?
A: Gradual onset pain from desk work (repetitive strain) can qualify as a work-related ACC claim. Bart can assess eligibility and help you understand your options.
Q: Can I get ergonomic advice as part of my physio appointment?
A: Yes. Bart's background in workplace ergonomics through Limber Office means he can offer practical, evidence-based guidance on your work setup as part of your session.
Q: Should I get a standing desk?
A: It depends. Standing desks help some people and not others, depending on how they are set up and used. Bart can advise based on your specific situation.