Work Hardening and Work Conditioning

Work hardening is a rehabilitation program available for injured workers to assist them with a safe return to their job of injury. The program helps the injured worker improve their physical functioning, functional skills, activity endurance, and ability to perform specific duties of their job. The program consists of therapeutic exercises, conditioning activities, and job specific work simulations.

Work conditioning is a rehabilitation program designed for injured workers who will not be returning to their job of injury but could benefit from conditioning, increased functional capabilities, and increased work tolerances to maximize their employment potential and job opportunities.

A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is completed to assess the injured workers physical skills, functional abilities, and work tolerances to establish the work rehabilitation program. Occupational and physical therapists will work closely with the patient throughout the work rehabilitation program to advance exercises, activities, and simulations as appropriate to maximize an individual’s overall level of functioning. Education classes are led by the therapists and a psychologist to provide relevant information about the workers compensation process, injury adjustment, pain management, fitness and nutrition, and injury prevention.

Work hardening and work conditioning programs are five days a week and typically last four to six weeks. Recommendations will be provided by the work rehabilitation team at the conclusion of the program to facilitate a safe return to work.