Work Rehabilitation – (Conditioning and Hardening)
Work Rehabilitation is a specialized program to allow injured workers to return to their job by simulating work environments, tasks, and education. This program will start by setting specific goals to meet the intensity of the real life job demand. Based on the complexity of the goals, workers will be placed in either Work Rehabilitation – Conditioning or Work Rehabilitation – Hardening. For detailed information, please visit the Labor and Industries website. Otherwise, see below for answers to the most common questions and learn more about this excellent new program.
Program Requirements for Workers:
- The worker must have a minimum of two months of recovery from the date of injury, which can include therapy in an outpatient program.
- The worker has the ability to actively participate a minimum of 3 times per week and at least 2 hours a day.
- The worker’s diagnosis is an accepted condition that impacts their ability to work at their full job demand.
- Agreement with the attending provider that the worker is ready to participate in a rehabilitation program.
Work Rehabilitation – Conditioning:
- Placement for individuals with less intensive and complex goals.
- Worker’s with sedentary to medium physical job demands.
- Runs 3-5 days a week at 2-4 hours a day. The program will generally last around 2 months total.
Work Rehabilitation – Hardening:
- Placement for individuals with more intensive and complex goals.
- Worker’s with medium to very heavy physical job demands.
- Runs 3-5 days a week at 4-8 hours a day. The program will generally last around 2 months total.
Work Rehabilitation Program Components:
- Initial Evaluation to establish history, tolerance, barriers, goals, and in turn, the plan of care
- Full Body Conditioning
- Work Simulation
- Worksite Assessment
- Behavioral Intervention
- Participant Education
- Care Conferences
- Stakeholder Communication
