Getting injured while on the job can really throw a wrench into your spokes. In addition to not being able to work, depending on the injury, one might not be able to do much else either. These situations usually lead to one clear objective: get back to work as quickly and safely as possible.

At CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services LLC, we are here to help by offering services to facilitate that process of getting injured workers back to work expeditiously.

The first step is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE). An FCE is a detailed examination and evaluation that will measure an injured workers current level of function as it relates to the demands of a specific occupation. Our therapists will perform a 4-5 hour set of tests that will include a total body evaluation of strength, motion and function to determine how serious the injured worker’s impairments are.

Measurements from an FCE will then be used to make decisions and recommendations regarding an injured worker’s ability to return to work in their pre-injury position, alternative gainful employment or if additional treatment is needed. It will also help therapists, doctors, lawyers, and insurance carriers inform the injured worker of what their next options are.

Next, therapists will design a work hardening program based on the FCE results for those deemed capable of physical activity. These programs are custom-created to incorporate job-related tasks that are necessary for the specific individual work environment.

Patients can qualify for work hardening programs after the accident or injury as a means to smoothly transition from outpatient skilled physical therapy intervention and rehabilitation to work. Highlights of a work hardening program include the following components:

• Injured workers will be educated in proper body mechanics (how to move the body in the best manner), safety in the work place and how to prevent injuries in the future
• The program will use real or simulated work tasks to increase strength, endurance and flexibility while incorporating job-specific tasks/training
• Treatment will include physical exercise and reconditioning in the form of stretching, strengthening and aerobic fitness
• Therapists focus on assessing and improving functional work status
• The program usually last about 4-8 hours per day for 3-5 days a week, for anywhere from 4-8 weeks depending on the seriousness of the injury
• The ultimate goal is to help the injured worker build up enough strength, flexibility and endurance to tolerate a full work schedule with specific job’s tasks

Missing work for an extended period of time can be a real burden, but FCE and Work Hardening Programs can drastically shorten an injured worker’s time away from the job. Visit CAM at any of our three locations in Laurel, Hyattsville or Glenn Dale/Bowie, MD and find out how we can help get injured workers return to work smoothly. Call (301) 853-0093 to schedule an appointment, or click here or here for more information.