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WORK HARDENING
Intensive, individualized program designed to increase physical conditioning and functional work tolerances to help injured workers safely return to work. Performed over a 4-6 week period with a steady progression of workloads toward job requirements. Provides a transition between medical care and return to work by improving the worker's biomechanical, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and psycho-social functions.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Sessions begin at 4 hours/day, 5 days/week
- Sessions increase by 1 hour/day each week
(i.e. Week 2 = 5 hours/day, Week 3 = 6 hours/day
- Sessions combine whole body conditioning exercises
with real/simulated work tasks
- Sessions instructed by Physical Therapists
- Education regarding body mechanics, pacing
techniques, self-care, pain management
- Focus is on getting each worker independent with
their own program
- Program is used to assess ways to modify specific job tasks
within worker's capacities if needed to reduce risk
of re-injury
REFERRAL GUIDELINES
- Injury must be less than 2 years old
- There must be a job goal established; completed
Job Analysis of job goal recommended
- The worker should be expected to successfully
complete the program in 4-6 weeks
- Prior approval of Attending Physician and Claims
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