AllCare Orthopaedic Center offers Work Hardening Programs to assist patients in regaining their functional independence and confidence returning to their preferred employment.  Skilled rehabilitation experts work closely with patients to optimize their recovery.  In addition to Work Hardening Programs, we offer Work Conditioning Programs and Functional Capacity Evaluations.

Work Hardening
Work Hardening Programs are highly structured, goal oriented, individualized treatment programs designed to return patients to their preferred employment.  Work hardening programs combine comprehensive physical conditioning programs with real or simulated work activities designed to restore physical, behavioral and vocational functions.

Work Conditioning
Work Conditioning Programs are work related, intensive, goal oriented treatment programs specifically designed to restore an individual’s systemic, cardiopulmonary and neuromusculoskeletal health.  The physical capacity and function of patients must be optimized prior to returning to the full duties of their employment.  This program is particularly helpful for patients that are currently working, but are limited to “light duty.”  Work conditioning programs assist workers in returning to full duty status more quickly.

Functional Capacity Evaluations
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) determine the physical capabilities and work tolerance of a patient.  These evaluations help determine an individual’s readiness to return to work, the need for job modification, the need for further rehabilitation and the degree of an individual’s disability.  Functional capacity evaluations compare the physical abilities of individuals with the physical demands of a particular job.

The key elements of an FCE include:
   • Detailed information gathering prior to the assessment including history
     taking, relevant medical information and current treatment.
   • Seeking medical information, if required, from the person’s doctor for the FCE.
   • A detailed physical evaluation.
   • Physical tasks similar to actual work tasks where possible.
   • A clear written record of testing and scores.

The FCE will be stopped if:
   • The person asks.
   • When the advised medical restrictions have been reached.
   • When a safe limit has been reached in the opinion of the rehabilitation
     consultant.

After the assessment AllCare Othopaedic Center will:
   • Provide feedback to the client, and/or other relevant parties.
   • Follow-up the client the next day to obtain post assessment status
     where appropriate.
   • Use the test findings to work out the person’s proposed abilities over a
     full workday.
   • Complete a job match, that is, offer a professional opinion about whether a
     person will be able to perform a job.
   • Complete a report.
   • Physical Therapy