Temple Physical Therapy

A Functional/Work Capacity Evaluation is a reliable tool for a physician or therapist to use in assessing the overall functional level of a worker by identifying their strengths and weaknesses, it assists in determining the ability of the worker to return to their previous work capacity without risk of injury, or makes recommendations for work restrictions, limitations, or workplace modifications to ensure the best chance for the patient to return safely to work.

It takes the guesswork out of setting patient restrictions for returning to work.

It determines the sincerity of patient effort.

Defines a recommended course of events for patient care, or return to work.

Determines the current limitations/abilities for the patient’s specific job tasks and may recommend modifications.

Objectively documents the reason for proposed job limitations.

It lessens the risk of liability issues for sending a worker back to the job too soon.

The test begins with a physical therapy evaluation consisting of Range of Motion and Strength measurements of the entire body, followed by a soft tissue assessment and a gait analysis. The evaluation continues with a battery of physical tests including: lift testing, push/pull testing, dexterity, sitting and standing tolerance, carrying techniques, ladder/stair climbing, as well as tests to determine motivation, disability perception and discover inappropriate illness behavior.

Any patient that has had their progress plateau within a physical therapy or work hardening program and it is unsure if they will be able to tolerate their previous occupation.

Any patient that has questionable signs and symptoms or has been labeled a "malingerer."

Any patient in which there is a disagreement in the appropriate work status between MD’s, case managers, patients and their employers.