Work hardening is a multidisciplinary program developed to bridge the gap between the acute or subacute stage of an injury and an eventual return to work. Its purpose is to help return injured workers to gainful employment while educating employees to decrease the risk of re-injury.

Our work hardening program offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, outcomes-based approach to worker rehabilitation. Work hardening patients may have been out of work for months or even years. Although the original injury may have healed, the worker may have experienced significant losses in strength, range of motion, endurance, or confidence in their ability to return to work. Often, the patient may still experience pain or other symptoms with certain movements, activities, or positions. The work hardening environment is structured to gradually increase the patient’s productivity while managing related symptoms.

The rehabilitation process begins with an initial Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) to assess the client’s tolerance for various work-related lifting tasks, positions, and static postures. This examination is completed by a physical therapist who is a certified functional capacity evaluator. The patient is also typically evaluated by a psychologist or licensed professional counselor to assess related psychological issues, such as fear of reinjury, anxiety, depression, and other potential barriers that could impede a return to work. The information gathered is compared with the worker’s diagnosis, limitations, and job-specific demands. The multidisciplinary team uses this information to develop return-to-work recommendations or plan an appropriate course of treatment to support a successful return to work.

While the patient is in the program, weekly contact is maintained with the employee’s insurance company or case manager and referring physician. Communication is also maintained with the pre-injury employer to assess the potential for modified-duty positions and help facilitate the return-to-work process. Vocational consultation is provided as needed when employment is unavailable upon entry into the work hardening program.