Work Hardening Programs
Work Hardening program is offered to an injured worker who has not
returned to work in a timely manner because of persistent physical deficits like deconditioned muscles or work restrictions that cannot be accommodated. It usually is divided into three areas:
- Work Conditioning Program - This comprises of exercises to improve strength and endurance to previously injured muscles and joints. Aerobic capacity training is also introduced in anticipation of being released to fulltime workload. Most of the time this is all that the injured worker needs before his/her return to full time duties.
- Work Hardening Program - This is a more comprehensive rehabilitation program, addressing vocational, psychosocial problems as well as neuromuscular deficits. It tends to be longer in scope (hours per day), and tries to simulate real work conditions under controlled settings in a physical therapy gym. It addresses behavioral issues (fear of reinjury), difficult employee-employer relations and vocational potentials.
- On-site transitional Program - This is the most practical and successful method to reintegrate an injured worker back to work. It requires full employer involvement (job accommodations and modified work) as well as full patient cooperation as the patient is gradually re-introduced to his/her previous work environment. A rehabilitation caseworker plays an important part during this transitional phase, making sure that the goals set by the patient, doctor and employer are in agreement and can be incorporated into a cohesive Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation program.
