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WORK CONDITIONING
Work Conditioning
Work Conditioning meets the physical rehabilitation
needs of most clients early in the course of recovery
from an injury which has interfered with their ability
to work. It is an exercise-based program focused on
functional restoration and return to work. The program
generally runs 4 hours daily, 5 days per week, for up
to 6 weeks. The client's functional abilities are increased
through exercise therapy and functional activities which
are specific to each client's critical job demands.
Program goals include:
- Improvement in flexibility, strength, and endurance
- Independence in the self-management of injury
- Timely and safe return to work
- Avoidance of further injury
- Treatment usually includes:
- Cardiovascular Training
- Range of Motion Restoration
Muscular Strengthening
- Work Simulation in which the critical demands of
the person's job are simulated.
- Education lectures/discussion are provided on a
number of topics including anatomy, causes of injury,
sources of pain, fitness, nutrition, etc.
- One-on-One Physical Therapy if necessary during
the time in the program. Progress reports are provided
to the treating physician and other relevant parties
at initial assessment, 2-week progress intervals,
and at program discharge.
Who should be referred?
- Individuals who are unable to return to work after
usual healing time for an injury, or following 3-8
weeks of acute physical therapy.
- No contra-indications to exercise
- No significant medical, psycho-social, vocational
or pain management barriers to recovery
- A definite job to return to following or during
treatment
Work Conditioning can be started as soon as the person's
treating physician advises that sufficient healing has
taken place.
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