The physical skills you need to do your job to the best of your ability are often determined by the demands of your profession. For the same reason, orthopedic injuries and injuries sustained on the job can have different effects on your ability to get back to your regular activities safely depending on your line of work. If that’s the case, why should your rehabilitation program work any differently?
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our Work Conditioning Program is tailored to benefit individuals of a variety of professions, focusing on the skills they need to build most in order to get back on the job safely and with confidence. Here’s how a number of professionals benefit from Work Conditioning Programs at BOS:
Airline Workers
Workers in the airline industry face a wide variety of risks on the job, from falls on the tarmac to accidents while performing repairs. Specifically, airline mechanics face risks of crushing injuries and more, and ramp agent workers who load and unload luggage may be vulnerable to injuries associated with heavy lifting.
Work conditioning for airline workers can help restore strength and mobility in these workers following an injury, helping them return to the job with confidence.
Police and Firefighters
Both police and firefighters are often thrust into physically dangerous situations as a necessary part of their job, making strength and endurance essential to their ability to perform their duties. Whether it’s due to falling debris or physical altercations with other people, these professionals are also particularly prone to work-related injuries.
Work conditioning can help a patient focus on rebuilding their strength and cardiovascular endurance, as well as strengthening their affected area to restore mobility.
Construction Workers
Construction workers’ jobs demand intense physical labor, and even the most safety-conscious job site can still present hazards. This is why construction workers are at particularly high risk for overuse injuries, as well as crushing injuries and other injuries associated with heavy equipment.
If you’re a construction worker who has sustained a work-related injury, Work Conditioning can help you build your strength back and restore your body to full function, ensuring that your affected area isn’t prone to reinjury due to existing weakness.
Electricians & Plumbers
Like construction workers, electricians and plumbers can be prone to work injury because of their environments and the equipment they use as part of the job. Because they often work in high places, electricians can even be at risk of falling. Both plumbing and electrical work require a great amount of strength and finger dexterity, which can be restored with help from a rigorous work conditioning program.
Delivery Drivers
Anyone who spends a great deal of time on the road as part of their job faces risks associated with driving – including auto accidents – and delivery drivers are no exception. However, delivery workers also face the added risk of overuse and crushing injuries because of the portion of their job that requires heavy lifting. Work conditioning can help these workers restore their strength and lifting technique, as well as address the fine motor skills necessary in order to drive safely.
Food Service & Hospitality Workers
For those who work in a restaurant or hotel, most of the day is spent standing and walking, which can potentially lead to common conditions like plantar fasciitis. This, along with the fact that performing repetitive motions can leave one prone to injuries. Wet or greasy areas can be hazardous for slips and falls, putting these workers at particular risk for getting hurt on the job.
Work conditioning can focus on helping these workers rebuild flexibility and strength, as well as learning proper techniques for preventing injuries in the future.
Healthcare Providers
As medical professionals, the team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists are aware of the risks of injury healthcare providers face each day on the job, from slips and falls to crushing injuries. We also understand how important it is for healthcare workers to have the endurance, strength, and fine motor skills to effectively care for others.
Work conditioning can help restore these functions following an injury, allowing workers to return to their job with improved strength and confidence.
Start Your Recovery with BOS Work Conditioning Program Today
The Work Conditioning Program at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists is a specific and functional program tailored to helping individuals recover from work-related injuries. Whether you are an airline worker, police officer, construction worker, or healthcare provider, we are dedicated to helping you regain your functional abilities and physical abilities, including mobility, strength, flexibility, and confidence to return to work safely.
If you’re a worker in any of these fields, these risk factors likely sound familiar to you. Should you become injured on the job, the Work Conditioning Program at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists’ Schaumburg location is designed to help restore your body to full functionality. To learn more about how our work conditioning therapy can help you, watch our informational video here, or reach out to us at (847) 885-0078.
Ready to get started on your road to recovery? Request an appointment here. We look forward to serving you!
Frequently Asked Question
What is the difference between physical therapy and work conditioning?
While physical therapy focuses on treating a specific injury or condition, work conditioning is a more intense and functional program designed specifically for injured workers. Work conditioning involves simulating work tasks to help workers regain their strength, endurance, and functional abilities necessary for their job.
Can an injured worker participate in both work conditioning sessions and a work hardening program?
Yes, injured workers can participate in both work conditioning sessions and a work hardening program. Work conditioning focuses on rebuilding strength and endurance for specific job tasks, while work hardening prepares the individual for their full return to work by simulating their actual job duties. Both programs can be beneficial in helping an injured worker make a successful recovery and safely return to work.
Why should an injured worker choose a physical therapist for their rehabilitation?
Physical therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals with extensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal system and its function. They specialize in treating injuries and conditions that affect movement, mobility, and daily activities. Choosing a physical therapist for rehabilitation ensures that the injured worker receives personalized care and a treatment plan tailored to their specific needs.
How long does work conditioning typically last?
The length of time for work conditioning varies depending on the individual's injury, job requirements, and progress in the program. On average, it can range from 2-6 weeks with multiple sessions per week. However, some cases may require longer or shorter durations.
