Work Conditioning FAQ
What Is Work Conditioning?
Work conditioning is a high level of therapeutic intervention designed to help patients regain enough function to return to work. These therapies are ideal for patients that have already progressed through traditional physical or occupational therapy but still lack full function in relation to specific duties required on the job.
Work conditioning utilizes real or simulated work tasks to help prepare patients for a safe transition back into the workforce while preventing new or worsened injuries.
What Are The Goals of Work Conditioning?
Work conditioning is an intensive program designed to restore musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiovascular functions. This includes:
- Strength and endurance
- Mobility and flexibility
- Motor control and functional abilities
The goals of a work conditioning program are to restore the patient’s physical capacity and functional abilities, prevent the recurrence of injury, and facilitate a return to work.
Who Can Benefit from Work Conditioning at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists?
Work conditioning is beneficial for individuals in physically demanding jobs, including:
- Airline Workers
- Police Officers
- Firefighters
- Construction Workers
- Delivery Drivers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Mechanics
- Factory Workers
- Healthcare Providers
- Post Office Employees
- Food Services & Hospitality Workers
What to Expect from a Work Conditioning Program?
Work conditioning programs typically last **2 to 6 weeks**, with sessions lasting **3-4 hours per day, 4-5 days per week**. Each program is individualized to:
- Treat the patient’s specific injury
- Address overall physical and cardiovascular impairments
- Improve functional abilities necessary for work tasks
What Happens During the Initial Functional Baseline Evaluation?
During the first visit, a therapist will evaluate the injury and review the patient’s job requirements. The therapist will use standardized tests to assess the patient’s current functional abilities compared to their essential job functions.
Based on these results, an individualized program will be created to enhance the patient’s physical capacity through:
- Strength training
- Cardiovascular conditioning
- Flexibility exercises
- Job-specific tasks
The referring physician and authorized parties will receive periodic updates documenting the patient’s progress.
Who Oversees the Work Conditioning Program?
Meet **Elizabeth Bauske, PT, DPT, OCS, ATC**:
Work Conditioning Coordinator
Industrial Rehab Coordinator and Board Certified Orthopedic Specialist in Physical Therapy, with 10+ years of experience in treating work-related injuries and preparing injured workers for return to work.
Liz works directly with adjusters and case managers to ensure efficient coordination of care.
Why Choose Work Conditioning at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists?
If you have been injured and cannot fully perform your job duties, our team of highly skilled rehabilitation professionals can help. Our work conditioning program, along with a range of other goal-oriented therapies, is designed to restore function and mobility.
Our team prides itself on providing high-quality care, ensuring you receive the support you need from the moment you schedule an appointment.