Postural and desk pain
Neck, shoulder and back tension that builds from long hours sitting or at a screen.
By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026
What it is
Postural pain builds up from long hours in one position, often at a desk or on devices. It is not about one perfect posture, but about staying still too long and loading the same areas, which leaves the neck, shoulders and back tight and aching.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common with postural and desk pain. You may have some and not others.
How physiotherapy helps
We find the areas taking the load, ease them with hands on therapy and dry needling, and build a simple strength and movement routine that makes your body more comfortable in your day. We also set up your workstation and habits so the tension does not keep building.
- Posture and movement assessment
- Soft tissue release and dry needling
- Strength and movement routine
- Workstation setup advice
How we treat it
The right mix depends on your assessment. These are the services we most often draw on for this.
Soft tissue release
Skilled hands on work through muscles, tendons and ligaments to ease tension and restore flexibility.
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Exercise and rehabilitation
Tailored programs to rebuild mobility, strength and confidence in the movements that matter to you.
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Trigger point dry needling
Fine needles into trigger points to release muscle tension and ease referred pain. A core focus at PACT.
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What you will actually pay
The full fee is $165 for an initial visit and $142 for a follow up, and every appointment is a full, unhurried session with the time to work through complex, persistent problems. Once your cover is applied, here is what you actually pay.
Before any rebate. Private paying is welcome, and your fee buys the whole session, never a rushed 20 minutes.
A GP Chronic Disease Management referral rebates $61.80 on every visit, up to 5 a year.
The usual out of pocket once you claim on the spot, depending on your level of cover.
Nothing for you to pay at any visit. Accepted workers compensation and CTP motor accident claims are billed straight to your insurer, and we handle the paperwork.
The bars compare what an initial and a follow up visit cost you on each pathway.
See full fees and rebates. Telehealth with PACT Virtual Care is charged at the same rates, Australia wide.
Other problems we help with
Pain rarely sits in one neat box. These are commonly linked, and we treat them all.
Good to know before you book
Is there one correct posture I should hold?
How much will it cost?
Do I need a referral?
Can it be managed by telehealth?
Sources and further reading
Written and reviewed by Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist. Last reviewed July 2026.
This page is general information about postural and desk pain, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, book an appointment or see your GP.
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Same day appointments often available at our Miranda clinic, or by telehealth across Australia.