Work Conditioning/Work Hardening
Work Conditioning physical therapy programs address the physical issues of flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and work-related function for a successful return to work.
Work Conditioning Programs are:
- Single discipline
- 2-4 hours per day
- Focus on strengthening, and endurance
- May include work-related activities
- Precedes Work Hardening in some cases
- Focus on ergonomics training
- Focus on safe body mechanics training
- Focus on providing education for maintaining appropriate and safe postures
According to APTA, the operational definition of Work Conditioning is, an intensive, work-related, goal-oriented conditioning program designed specifically to restore systemic neuromusculoskeletal functions (e.g., joint integrity and mobility, muscle performance (including strength, power, and endurance), motor function (motor control and motor learning), range of motion (including muscle length), and cardiovascular/pulmonary functions (e.g., aerobic capacity/ endurance, circulation, and ventilation and respiration/gas exchange). The objective of the work conditioning program is to restore physical capacity and function to enable the patient/client to return to work.
Work Hardening
Work Hardening physical therapy programs are interdisciplinary and address the physical, functional, behavioral and vocational needs of the injured worker, for a successful return to work.
Work Hardening programs are:
- Multidisciplinary
- 4-8 hours per day
- Focus on Work Simulation
- Job Description using Dictionary of Occupational Titles
- Vocational Counseling
- Behavioral and psychological management
- Educational sessions which include Nutrition, Videos, and Financial Planning
- Focus on ergonomics training
- Focus on safe body mechanics training
- Focus on providing education for maintaining appropriate and safe postures at work
According to APTA, the operational definition of Work Hardening is, a highly structured, goal-oriented, individualized intervention program designed to return the patient/client to work. Work Hardening programs, which are multidisciplinary in nature, use real or simulated work activities designed to restore physical, behavioral, and vocational functions. Work Hardening addresses the issues of productivity, safety, physical tolerances, and worker behaviors.
In the above given video, an inventory task is being performed in a work simulated setting at a warehouse. The client is being tested for his posture and body mechanics while lifting different heavy weights at various heights. We can further test his endurance level, fatigue tolerance, and agility skills.
Other Features Pertaining to Work Hardening and Conditioning Programs:
- Procedure guidelines, which is signed by both client and therapist
- Time tracking and Schedule being monitored
- Goal setting
- Weekly progress reports
- Customized programs
- Certification of completion of program
Our Program provides a Real Work Setting Environment and Infrastructure
required for a Successful Return to Work.
Our Physical Therapists provide the necessary physical and functional
components within both of these programs.
