Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a series of assessments used to evaluate a person’s physical abilities and limitations in regards to activities of daily living with an emphasis on work related tasks.  Activities tested include postures and movements associated with sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, reaching, carrying, climbing, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.  The exam includes an overall musculoskeletal assessment looking at functional range of motion, strength, dexterity, balance, and endurance.

Ergonomic Assessment is an evaluation of the person in the work environment to achieve a balance between the physical demands of the job and the functional abilities and limitations of the person.  The goal is to design the work environment within the person’s physical capacities to maximize performance, reduce error, and increase productivity.  Training and solutions are geared toward improving the link between the design of the work station and equipment with the actual worker’s behaviors and habits.

Job Analysis (JA) is a written document that details the essential physical demands of a work station required to perform the job.  These demands including lifting requirements, frequency rates, repetitive and sustained motions, force and exertion, environmental exposures, safety equipment and tools used, and positional requirements such as sitting, standing, climbing, crawling, reaching, and bending. A JA is a beneficial tool that provides a physician with an objective understanding of the physical job requirements.  A JA is also beneficial to use with the results of an FCE when return-to-work decisions are being considered for restricted and full duty options.

Transitional Work Therapy (TW) is onsite therapy with an Occupational Therapist to assist with progressing an injured worker to full duty status by integrating the physical components of her job in a graduated series as tolerated by the worker and as approved by the treating physician.  In addition to progressing work capacities, being onsite will allow the therapist to reinforce correct body mechanics usage during work tasks, identify safe work practices, and determine any equipment or tools that may aid in making the job safer and/or more efficient. Therapy related activities such as functional strengthening, techniques for self-management of symptoms, and a home exercise program may be implemented as needed to aid in progression to full duty capacity.