Where OccupationalRehabilitationStandards Began

The story of a family that changed how the world understands work, ability, and human potential.

Our History

A Legacy of Firsts

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1979
The Origin of Work Hardening

Dr. Leonard Matheson originates the concept of "work hardening": a revolutionary rehabilitation approach that would fundamentally change occupational therapy and return-to-work practices worldwide.

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1988
Matheson Is Founded

Roy Matheson establishes Matheson Education and Training Solutions, building on his brother Leonard's groundbreaking research to bring world-class training to clinicians everywhere.

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1990s
Setting National Standards

Matheson participates in setting the national standards of practice for work hardening and functional capacity evaluation. The tests and treatment models designed here become used worldwide.

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2000s
International Recognition

EPIC Rehab and Roy Matheson and Associates training standards for Ergonomics, FCE, and Work Rehabilitation become recognized internationally as some of the highest in the industry.

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Today
Leading the Future

Modern work evaluation now integrates objective testing, ergonomics, cognitive assessment, and data-driven analysis. Matheson continues to evolve the science: combining emerging technology with evidence-based practice.

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The Visionaries

The Matheson Brothers

Two brothers whose work transformed occupational rehabilitation from a nascent concept into an internationally recognized discipline.

Dr. Leonard Matheson

Originator & Pioneer

Dr. Leonard Matheson

The originator of work hardening, work tolerance screening and work capacity evaluations, and architect of the national standards still followed worldwide today.

Roy Matheson

Founder & Educator

Roy Matheson

Extended his brother's principles into clinical application, evaluator training, and defensible documentation aligned with regulatory and ADA considerations.

The Modern Era

Train Smarter.Become the Expert.

Today, the principles that began with the Matheson model continue to evolve alongside advances in research, technology, and workplace demands.

While tools and methodologies have advanced, the core philosophy remains unchanged: accurate measurement, sound clinical reasoning, and practical application are essential for helping people return to safe, productive work.

Clinician observing a lift-and-carry assessment

Experience the Matheson Difference

From pioneering the field,to leading its future.

When you train with Matheson, you learn from the leaders. Join the 18,000+ clinicians who have transformed their practice with the most trusted name in occupational rehabilitation education.

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