If you have been injured at your workplace and need rehabilitation, you might enter a physical therapy work conditioning program. A work conditioning program is ideal for patients who have shown improvement with other rehabilitation methods but have not met the physical demands of their jobs. Work Conditioning programs address the neuromuscular system, helping the patient gain strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, and motor control function for a successful return to work.
Work Conditioning is a rigorous program requiring 2-4 hours a day, 3-5 days per week with a licensed practitioner. A program can last for 4 to 5 weeks and requires dedication to successfully complete. The program's objective is to have the injured worker return to typical work-related tasks with up to 50% of their required work schedule.
What to Expect in a Work Conditioning Program:
- To work with a Licensed OT/PT with supervision
- Complete job simulation tasks for a safe job return
- Work on prevention of future injury
- Teach appropriate body mechanics and movement patterns
- Provide patient education for stress reduction and modifications for specific job requirements
Once the work conditioning program concludes, the worker will return to work with or without restrictions based upon the agreement of their physician and employer. The patient will have a functional capacity evaluation to determine if the return-to-work goal that addresses their specific needs has been met. A work conditioning program is a great way to ensure that patients can return to work safely and with a reduced risk of re-injury.
To determine if you might benefit from the Work Conditioning Program offered by ACE Rehab Physical Therapy Specialists, please call