Effects of Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation Courses on Work Ability

Kela's rehabilitation course for those with MSD includes two 5-day periods and one 3-day period of face-to-face rehabilitation, which are carried out in a Finnish rehabilitation center over a 9-month period and implemented by a multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation experts. The rehabilitation course is group-based and provided free of charge. The 9-month rehabilitation period also includes calls to the participants before and after rehabilitation. The course is intended for persons over the age of 18 with diagnosed MSD and difficulties coping with work or studies. The course provides support, tools, and coaching to help manage daily life and work with MSD. Self-rehabilitation is an important component of the program. Individual goals based on the GAS method are set, evaluated, and adjusted during the rehabilitation. A medical statement is required when applying for the rehabilitation course.

Kela´s MSD telerehabilitation course is arranged entirely as telerehabilitation, and it includes videoconferencing, online rehabilitation, and group-based rehabilitation days implemented by a multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation experts. Participation does not require particular IT skills, but appropriate equipment (e.g., mobile phone, laptop, tablet computer) is needed. The rehabilitation course is free of charge, and the total duration, including the calls before and after rehabilitation, is approximately 7 months. The course is intended for persons over the age of 18 with diagnosed MSD and difficulties coping with work or studies. The course provides support, tools, and coaching to help manage daily life and work with MSD. Self-rehabilitation is an important component of the program. Individual goals based on the GAS method are set, evaluated, and adjusted during the rehabilitation. A physiotherapist's recommendation is required when applying for the telerehabilitation course

The control participants have an MSD diagnosis and musculoskeletal symptoms. Based on an occupational physiotherapist's brief evaluation they are eligible to apply for Kela's musculoskeletal rehabilitation (the interventions below). By them own choice, however, they will not participate in these rehabilitation programs in the near future. The controls are recruited via two occupational health care producers in the private sector.