Occupational Physiotherapy Reducing MSK Sickness Absence in partnership with Stadler Rail
March 11, 2026
How Physiotherapy Matters reduced Musculoskeletal-Related Sickness Absence by over 50%
In mid-2025, Physiotherapy Matters, as a leading provider of occupational physiotherapy services, partnered with Stadler Rail to tackle high levels of musculoskeletal (MSK) related sickness absence across their UK workforce.
With an ambitious target of a 25% reduction in MSK absence, our team delivered an integrated workplace physiotherapy programme across three UK sites, while supporting additional locations remotely. The programme was delivered in close collaboration with Stadler Rail’s Health & Safety teams, HR partners, and line managers, ensuring sustainable, long-term improvements in employee health and a wider focus on prevention as well as tackling the issue at hand.
Tackling Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Rail Industry
Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the leading causes of sickness absence in the UK rail industry. In 2023, the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) published Exploring the Opportunities to Reduce the Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders in UK Rail (T1278) the first industry-wide survey of its kind.
The findings highlighted that MSK conditions not only contribute significantly to sickness absence, but also negatively impact employee performance, productivity, and overall wellbeing. For Stadler Rail, addressing MSK health meant improving both absence levels and presenteeism, while supporting employees to remain healthy and productive at work.
Measurable Results from Workplace Physiotherapy
After just eight months, year-end data demonstrated exceptional outcomes from the occupational physiotherapy intervention:
- 50%+ reduction in MSK-related sickness absence
- 790 working days returned to the business
- 20% reduction in self-reported presenteeism
- Improved employee engagement and voluntary uptake of services
- Faster, safer, and more sustainable returns to work
These results significantly exceeded the original target and highlight the effectiveness of proactive physiotherapy services in the workplace.
Client Testimonial: Stadler Rail Service UK
To recognise the success of the programme, we were delighted to receive the following testimonial from Paul Patrick, Managing Director, Stadler Rail Service UK:
“As a rail service provider with depots across the UK, we were challenged on how to better support our workforce impacted by musculoskeletal issues. We needed a proactive, practical approach to employee health that genuinely reduced absence and helped our people manage their conditions more effectively.
Since introducing Physiotherapy Matters, we achieved a 50.41% reduction in musculoskeletal-related sickness absence. Their clinicians understand the rail industry, deliver timely interventions, and work collaboratively with managers and employees to support safe, sustainable returns to work.
The impact has been measurable, meaningful, and long-lasting — both in organisational outcomes and the day-to-day wellbeing of our people. We would highly recommend their occupational physiotherapy service.”
How can we support your Organisation?
With over 20 years experience delivering occupational health physiotherapy across multiple industries including rail, manufacturing, logistics, and construction Physiotherapy Matters supports organisations to:
- Reduce MSK-related sickness absence
- Improve presenteeism and productivity
- Support workforce health and resilience
- Deliver cost-effective occupational health solutions
- Improve employee wellbeing and engagement
If your organisation is looking to reduce musculoskeletal disorders, improve workplace health, and achieve measurable reductions in sickness absence, our expert occupational physiotherapists can help.
Contact us: on info@physiotherapymatters.co.uk or call on 0191 285 8701