People with musculoskeletal problems are repetitive users of the occupational and primary healthcare services; it seems that traditional medical treatment and physiotherapy are of little help. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on the sickness pattern among patients with musculoskeletal problems after an early rehabilitation programme and 3 months later based on interdisciplinary efforts in primary healthcare. The intervention was implemented in one of two primary healthcare areas during a 10-month period involving an intervention group (n=138) and a control group (n=75). Descriptive and analytical statistics were used. The result reflected a significantly shorter average sick period in the intervention group (63.8 days) than in the control group (92.8 days). The study indicates that such a model of early rehabilitation based on interdisciplinary efforts has the potential to provide significant socioeconomic benefits. © 1999 Scandinavian University Press.