Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE)

A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is designed to evaluate an individual’s physical and functional capabilities. This in-depth evaluation provides an objective and performance-based assessment for determining when the patient is safe to return to work. It may facilitate case closure by providing information necessary in establishing work restrictions or determining disability. The results of the evaluation may also serve as information for entry into a work conditioning program or vocational rehabilitation. A job specific functional capacity evaluation requires at minimum, a detailed job description and preferably a job-site analysis to compare the patient’s abilities to the job demands. We currently utilize the Isernhagen FCE system.

Work Rehabilitation & Work Conditioning

Work conditioning is an individualized and structured rehabilitation program that is designed to improve function and maximize a patient’s ability to return to work. It consists of multi-hour sessions for up to four hours per day unless otherwise instructed by the referring physician. The program is typically five days a week, but may be prescribed for three times per week as indicated by the patient’s needs. Work conditioning  primarily consists of activities designed to improve endurance, strength, flexibility, and performance of job related tasks. It also ensures a safe transition between acute care and safely returning to work.

Job Site Analysis

The job site analysis (JSA) is a detailed, on-site assessment that determines the essential functions and components of a specific job or occupation. The analysis objectively quantifies, measures, and categorizes the active components of the job. This may include required movements, functions, forces,  actions and postures assumed throughout the course of the work shift. The JSA may provide recommendations, if requested, for ergonomic modifications and possible educational programs that reduce and may eliminate such injuries. It supplies both the employer and the therapist with relevant data that allows for the development of a pre-work screen. A current JSA also ensures compliance with the American Disabilities act.

Pre-Work Screens (PWS)

Following the completion of the job site analysis, a pre-work screen may be developed. The pre-work screen will be based upon the critical job demands as outlined in the job site analysis. The PWS is used to determine if an individual is physically capable of safely completing the demands of a specific job. Following a job offer, and prior to employment, the prospective employee must successfully complete the pre-work screen designed for the prospective job. Performing pre-work screens is a crucial step that an employer may take in preventing work related injuries as it matches the worker to a specific job. The PWS may be utilized during the new hire process, when an existing employee transfers to another department, or when determining if an employee may safely return to work following an acute injury/illness. It also provides the therapist with a baseline that they can then work to achieve with clients that have a work related injury. The PWS also prevents the therapist from expecting an injured employee to achieve a functional level higher than their pre-injury status. We currently utilize the Isernhagen pre-work screen system.

Fit For Duty Testing

Fit for duty testing is performed when a patient has suffered an injury that requires them to be off work for a significant amount of time. The test is performed to determine if the patient is safe to return to work at the conclusion of their treatment and rehabilitation but is less extensive than our FCE.