Work Hardening and Work Conditioning

An FCE is completed to assess the injured worker's physical skills, functional abilities, and work tolerances to establish the work rehabilitation program. Occupational and physical therapists will work closely with the patient throughout the work rehabilitation program to advance exercises, activities, and simulations as appropriate to maximize an individual’s overall level of functioning. Education classes are led by therapists and a psychologist to provide relevant information about the workers' compensation process, injury adjustment, pain management, fitness and nutrition, and injury prevention.

• Includes orientation, vocational screen, fitness screen, and a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment prior to completing functional assessments.
• Tests physical tolerances, endurance, and overall conditioning with respect to the current or targeted occupation.
• Addresses nonphysiological factors, such as consistency of effort and perception of pain.
• Identifies abilities for use in vocational planning if a specific job is not targeted.
• Provides a clear, concise report developed to answer pertinent questions about the client’s current functional abilities as they relate to return to work.

The goal of this program is to facilitate the transition of clients from the role of patient to worker. It typically lasts two to six weeks and builds job skills and strength through:

• Work simulation: Specific simulations of job tasks are performed on site at the Curtis National Hand Center with access to the entire hospital.
• Functional/conditioning activities: Overall physical conditioning is restored through participation in work circuits of job demands, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, standing, reaching, and squatting.
• Exercise: Flexibility, strengthening, and cardiovascular exercises are performed daily to promote overall physical conditioning.
• Education: Weekly group sessions provide relevant information about the workers’ compensation process, pain management, general health, and basic skills to prevent further injury.

Ergonomic consultations and job analysis services are available at any point in the process and are independent of any other service provided.

Work site evaluations are provided to identify musculoskeletal risk factors, maintain or increase productivity, decrease turnover and absenteeism, and include positive solutions.

Our work rehabilitation team can visit the job site to evaluate specific physical demands of a job. This information can be used to determine if the injured worker’s abilities match the job requirements.

A full range of tailored programs, including proper material handling techniques and ergonomic principles, is offered to employers and employees on the job site.