Return to Work and Cost Implications of Physical Therapy in Conjunction with Rotator Cuff Repair in the Treatment of Work-Related Rotator Cuff Tears.

Abstract

Objective: Assess the utilization and costs of physical therapy (PT) and rotator cuff repair (RCR) in the treatment of work-related rotator cuff tears (RCT).

Methods: 8,814 lost-time RCT claims filed to a nationwide workers' compensation insurance carrier from 2007 to 2022 were investigated.

Results: 89.1% of claimants with RCTs received both PT and RCR, 8.6% received PT only, and 2.0% had only an RCR. PT accounted for 19.9% of medical costs on average. RCT claimants, who had RCR without PT and no PT or RCR, had the shortest times out from work. Increasing amounts of PT treatment was associated with longer lost time and higher claim costs.

Conclusion: The addition of PT to RCR is associated with increasing time off work and claim costs proportionate to the duration of PT rendered.