The effects of multimodal rehabilitation on pain-related sickness absence – an observational study

When implemented nationwide, multimodal rehabilitation appears not to reduce sickness absence compared to treatment-as-usual. Implications for Rehabilitation A nationwide implementation of multimodal rehabilitation was not effective in reducing sickness absence compared to treatment-as-usual for persons with nonspecific musculoskeletal pain. Multimodal rehabilitation was effective in reducing the risk of future disability pension for persons with nonspecific musculoskeletal pain compared to treatment-as-usual. To be effective in reducing sick leave multimodal rehabilitation must be started within 60 days of sick leave. The evidence for positive effect of multimodal rehabilitation is mainly for sick listed patients. Prevention of sick leave for persons not being on sick leave should not be extrapolated from evidence for multimodal rehabilitation.