|
|
Work Conditioning
|
Patients with musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, repetitive motion disorders and upper and lower extremity problems may be placed in our Work Conditioning Program. Under the supervision of a physician and staff of physical and occupational therapists, the program is designed to promote safe work return through incremental increases in the intensity and duration of the patient’s physical activity, work simulation and educational sessions.
How APTA defines the term
- Injured worker must have an immediate job goal and a demonstrated willingness to participate
- Treatment focus changes to restoration of work-related function(s)
- Must commence no greater than 1 year after injury unless a multi-disciplinary evaluation has ruled out non-medical behavioral or vocational barriers
- Single discipline provider -- PT or OT
- Physical and functional activity related to work - goal oriented and intensive addressing issues of flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination
- Multi-hour sessions up to 4 hours per day
- 5 days per week
- 6-8 weeks
Work conditioning can be terminated when:
- Goals are met
- The injured worker is unable to progress toward goals.
- Injured worker declines further participation in recommended intervention.
- Injured worker fails to comply with program requirements.
Work conditioning can assist the injured worker to obtain ergonomics services as appropriate.
|
|