Effect of physiotherapy on sickness absence in industry: a comparative study

A cross-sectional comparative study was carried out in two chemical manufacturing plants in order to ascertain the effect of an occupational physiotherapy service on absence attributed to sickness. There was no overall effect on total sickness absence rates in this study, but a possible reduction in short-term sickness absence was noted. Changes in management attitudes to absence attributed to sickness at the comparison site caused a significant reduction in short-term absences. It is concluded that physiotherapy in an occupational setting has little effect on sickness absence compared to management attitudes, but the unquantifiable benefits, such as increased employee mobility, better industrial relations and employee morale may be significant benefits, worthy of further study.