Work Hardening

The Work Hardening Program is a comprehensive occupational therapy program that builds strength, endurance and develops positive work attitudes and behaviors by simulating the work environment. It is an intensive program in which patients attend daily therapy for six weeks, from four to eight hours per day. This program teaches and monitors safe use of tools and body mechanics to build new work habits and prevent re-injury.

This program is usually for people with serious injuries or deconditioning who have been out of work for an extended period of time. Its individualized program of activities may include any or all of the following: 1) strengthening and stretching exercises, 2) work simulation, 3) back school, 4) aerobic exercises, 5) nutrition and stress management strategies for building healthful habits, 6) aquatic therapy, and 7) objective assessments on computerized strength testing devices. The program’s goal is to help the patient return to work. Not every patient is able to meet that goal, but a majority either return to their old job or are able to go to work at a new job more in keeping with their physical capabilities.

Our specialized staff for the Work Hardening program consists of an occupational therapist, an occupational therapy assistant and a therapy technician devoted to caring specifically for this patient population. Patient's progress is monitored daily and programs are written specifically for the needs of each patient. Care conferences can be set up between the staff, patient, physician, and other parties involved at the request of the physician at any time throughout the program. A Physical Capacity Exam will be completed at the end of the program to assess at what functional level the patient is to be able to return to work.

This program is an excellent way for employees to decrease their risk of re-injury through improved body mechanics training and physical conditioning. It will also give the employee a greater insight as to their physical capabilities, work attitudes, confidence, and pain management strategies.