Evolution of an on-site industrial physical therapy program.

This article describes the growth and cost benefits of an on-site industrial physical therapy program. The program was initiated in 1982 at one of five plants managed by a major corporation to help reduce the costs of musculoskeletal injury. A significant reduction in the occupational absence rate was noted at the plant with the physical therapy program. Now in its tenth year, the program has produced calculated savings of $8.3 million, a benefit-to-cost ratio of greater than 9 to 1. The physical therapy program now serves approximately 50% of the company's employees and provides technical assistance in solving other work-related problems.