Work-Ready Rehabilitation

This may be a good fit if work requires:

• Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling
• Kneeling, squatting, crouching, or getting up and down from low positions
• Reaching overhead or working in sustained positions
• Repeated bending, twisting, gripping, or tool use
• Walking or standing for long periods
• Moving quickly, responding to others, or maintaining balance in changing environments
• Rebuilding strength or endurance before returning to regular duties

This room may fit carpenters, construction workers, mechanics, landscapers, warehouse workers, healthcare workers, delivery drivers, musicians, restaurant workers, custodians, first responders, and others with physically demanding work.

What the first visit may include

The evaluation is guided by the injury or limitation, health history, current work status, and the tasks the person needs to perform safely and consistently.

• Discussion of the job, regular duties, current restrictions, and the problem affecting work
• Review of an available job description, duty list, written restrictions, or medical instructions
• Assessment of mobility, strength, balance, endurance, and movement tolerance
• Observation of lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, kneeling, gripping, tool use, or other relevant tasks
• Review of tools, equipment, work positions, footwear, or environmental demands when useful
• Identification of the gap between current ability and required work activity

Only tasks and loads that are clinically appropriate at that stage of recovery are used.

Treatment connected to the demands of the job

Work-ready rehabilitation progresses from current ability toward the movements, loads, positions, and endurance required for work.

• Mobility and flexibility work
• Progressive strengthening
• Lifting and carrying progression
• Pushing and pulling tasks
• Reaching, gripping, and tool-related movement when relevant
• Kneeling, squatting, crouching, and transitional movement
• Balance and coordination work
• Endurance and conditioning
• Manual therapy when clinically appropriate
• Graded work simulation using appropriate equipment
• Education about pacing, symptom response, positioning, and self-management

Care that can see beyond the clinic

A mobile visit may make it possible to assess the actual object, tool, workstation, equipment, carrying distance, surface, position, or environmental factor involved.

Clear communication about progress and limitations

When a healthcare provider is involved, Pete’s standard practice is to send the plan of care and communicate clinically important changes as appropriate.

Physical therapy findings can describe abilities, limitations, and progress. Formal work status, restrictions, or clearance may also involve a physician, employer, insurer, or another authorized party.

Pete does not perform formal Functional Capacity Evaluations.

Other service rooms

• Orthopedic & Recovery Care
• Back, Neck & Joint Pain
• Balance, Dizziness & Vestibular Care
• Return to Sport & Active Living
• Combat Athlete Rehabilitation
• Back to all services