Work Hardening Programs
- For Employees Who Have Experienced Extended Periods of Time Away From Work
- Assess and Improve Functional Work Status
- Educates in Proper Body Mechanics and Work Place Safety
- Structured Work Simulation Program that Assist in Improving Employee's Behavior
This program is a systematic series of gradually progressive, work related activities performed with proper body mechanics to physically and psychologically recondition the employee in order to facilitate return to full employment. This program’s focus is on improving the person's musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems to prepare for return to work.
An employee can qualify for this program if within 30-180 days post accident or injury, they may or may not have a position to return to, and they are motivated to return to their job. Employees in this program often have experienced an extended period of time away from work due to chronic pain or loss of function, generally from an injury on the job.
Work Hardening Programs generally range from 3-5 days per week for 4-8 hours per treatment depending on the severity of the injury, the time lapsed since the injury onset, and the physical demand requirements of the job. The ultimate goal is to help the employee build up enough flexibility, strength and endurance to tolerate a full work schedule with an emphasis on simulating job tasks, and establishing a routine "work day" with regular "work" hours.
