Industrial Rehabilitation

Industrial Rehabilitation “Industrial athlete” is a term often used to describe employees in modern work settings. Like sports athletes who are sidelined by injury, injured industrial athletes may require rehabilitation to be able to return to the “game”, i.e. employment. For those who are not able to return to work because of unresolved physical problems following acute care, the treatment focus changes to restoration of work-related function.

Catawba Valley Medical Center’s Industrial Rehabilitation program is a Quality Provider for the nationally recognized WorkWell Prevention and Care. WorkWell programs offered include Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), Work Conditioning, Job Site Analysis (JSA), Functional Job Descriptions (FJD) and Pre-Work Screens (PWS). WorkWell programs are a kinesiophysical approach which utilizes the kinesiology (study of physical movement) knowledge of a physical therapist and/or occupational therapist to indicate:

• Maximum objective strength of an individual
• Tolerance levels to activity based on objective physical observations
• Safety procedures to ensure no injuries occur during the testing situation
• Client awareness of the difference between safe and unsafe procedures
• Linking of functional deficiencies with physical causes
• Ability to identify sub maximal efforts and the presence of self-limiting behavior
• A very specific objective informational report that includes observations, conclusions, and recommendations

WorkWell programs are based on more than 20 years of study, research, utilization, and refinement. Additional information about WorkWell Prevention and Care may be found at www.workwell.com.

Services

Functional Capacity Evaluation is the comprehensive, objective testing of a person’s abilities in work-related tasks. It is musculoskeletal oriented so that as performance is rated both abilities and physical limitations can be noted. FCE is an integral part of the return-to-work process. It forms a medical basis for return to work conclusions regarding Physical Demand Levels, work restrictions and/or reasonable accommodations. FCE’s may also be used to assist in disability determination or for rating to release the client from medical care.

Work Conditioning: an intensive, work-related, goal-oriented conditioning program designed specifically to restore systemic neuromusculoskeletal functions, muscle performance (including strength, power, and endurance), motor function, range of motion, and cardiovascular/pulmonary endurance. The objective of the work conditioning program is to restore physical capacity and function to enable the client to return to work.

Pre-Work screens (also known as pre-employment or post-offer screens) are functional tests developed for an employer based on the critical job requirements of specific positions. Reduction in the number of injuries and associated medical and workers’ compensation cost as a result of PWS’s is well documented. PWS’s are developed in accordance with ADA and EEOC guidelines.

Job Site Analysis is performed on location to assist with injury prevention and/or reduction by identifying potential injury-producing tasks or conditions. Ergonomic modifications can be recommended. JSA may also be used to develop specific functional job descriptions and to assist in establishing a client’s Work Hardening program.

For discussion or further information about any of the Industrial Rehabilitation programs offered at Catawba Valley Medical Center, please contact us at 828-326-2131.