Workplace Assessment – Case Study
Workplace Assessment Case Study: Supporting an Employee with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Through Occupational Health Physiotherapy and Workplace Assessment
Case Study — Workplace Assessment: Supporting an Employee with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Through Occupational Health Physiotherapy and Workplace Assessment
At Bespoke Wellbeing, our purpose is to make a positive difference to people’s lives through practical, clinically-led occupational health support.
This workplace assessment case study demonstrates how our occupational health physiotherapy team supported an employee living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), chronic fatigue, and joint instability. Through a detailed workplace assessment and tailored recommendations, we helped identify practical adjustments that supported comfort, sustainability at work, and long-term wellbeing.
Referral
An employee working in a Clinical Education and Development role was referred to Bespoke Wellbeing for an occupational health physiotherapy assessment following a significant increase in symptoms associated with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).
The employee’s role involved:
- teaching and mentoring responsibilities
- prolonged administrative work
- interview scribing
- extended handwriting tasks
- hybrid working and hot-desking arrangements
Symptoms had worsened following a series of full-day interview sessions involving prolonged handwriting with limited opportunity for rest breaks.
The referral requested guidance around:
- workplace ergonomics
- fatigue management
- joint instability and pain
- workstation suitability
- reasonable workplace adjustments
- long-term work sustainability
The Assessment Findings
A comprehensive occupational health workplace assessment was completed by one of our occupational health physiotherapists.
The assessment explored how the employee’s symptoms interacted with specific workplace demands, rather than focusing solely on the medical diagnosis itself.
During the assessment, the employee described significant pain affecting the dominant hand and fingers following prolonged handwriting tasks. We identified that sustained grip force, repetitive movements, and limited recovery time between interview sessions were major contributors to symptom flare-ups.
The assessment also highlighted difficulties linked to prolonged sitting. The employee experienced frequent hip instability and back pain when using standard workplace seating that lacked appropriate support for someone living with hypermobility and joint instability.
One important clinical observation was that symptoms increased significantly during static tasks and poorly supported postures, particularly during hot-desking arrangements where workstation setup varied daily. This helped identify that the workplace environment itself was contributing to symptom aggravation.
The employee also reported substantial fatigue associated with EDS and related health conditions, which was affecting concentration, physical endurance, and recovery outside of work.
Workplace Assessment Recommendations
Following the workplace assessment, we provided a detailed programme of occupational health recommendations designed to reduce workplace triggers and improve day-to-day function at work.
Workplace Adjustments
Recommended adjustments included:
- adjustable ergonomic office seating
- provision of footrests at workstations
- a formal DSE assessment for workstation setup
- review of hot-desking arrangements
- improved ergonomic support for hybrid working
- regular movement breaks throughout the working day
These recommendations aimed to improve joint support, sitting tolerance, and overall workplace comfort.
Reducing Handwriting Demands
As prolonged handwriting had become a significant trigger for pain flare-ups, we recommended reducing repetitive manual writing tasks where possible.
Recommendations included:
- limiting full-day interview scribing duties
- breaking interview sessions into shorter blocks
- exploring digital note-taking alternatives
- use of assistive technology and speech-to-text software
- improved pen ergonomics
This approach allowed the employee to continue performing core aspects of their role while reducing physical strain.
Fatigue Management Support
Fatigue management formed an important part of the occupational health intervention.
We recommended:
- more structured hybrid working arrangements
- flexible scheduling where possible
- pacing strategies during intensive workdays
- reducing unnecessary travel demands
- activity modification techniques to improve energy management
The assessment also highlighted the importance of consistency in workstation setup to reduce unnecessary physical fatigue throughout the working week.
Occupational Health Outcomes
THE EMPLOYEE — The employee gained a clearer understanding of how specific workplace activities were contributing to symptom flare-ups. Practical adjustments and changes to work routines helped improve confidence in managing symptoms at work and made day-to-day tasks feel more sustainable.
THE REFERRER — The referrer received a detailed occupational health report that clearly linked workplace demands with functional difficulties. The recommendations were designed to be realistic within the working environment and provided a structured plan for ongoing support.
THE CLINICIAN — The physiotherapist’s role was to identify how the interaction between hypermobility, fatigue, workstation setup, and work tasks was affecting the employee’s ability to work comfortably. By focusing on functional impact and workplace triggers, the assessment identified practical solutions that a standard workstation checklist alone would not have captured.
Why This Case Matters
Employees living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, chronic fatigue, and hypermobility disorders often experience fluctuating symptoms that can be heavily influenced by workplace demands.
This case demonstrates how occupational health physiotherapy and workplace assessments can help employers move beyond a diagnosis-focused approach and instead identify practical changes that support sustainable working.
As our clinician reflected after the assessment:
“Often the biggest difference comes from understanding how someone’s symptoms interact with their working environment day to day.”
Need Support With Workplace Assessments or Occupational Health Physiotherapy?
If your organisation requires support with occupational health referrals or workplace assessments, contact Bespoke Wellbeing to discuss how we can help – 0330 088 1538 / appointments@bespokewellbeing.co.uk.