After a work injury, a work hardening program provides a customized approach to restoring physical, behavioral, and vocational goals based on a person's specific job requirements. Work-hardening programs aim to deliver higher levels of therapeutic intervention to injured workers.
An individual may need a structured, individualized treatment program based on the severity of their injury to return to work successfully. After an injury at work, a therapist will provide a safe transition to prescribed care and a successful return to work.
The right program can ensure a safe return to work responsibilities for an injured worker. The goals of a work-hardening program include:
- Exercises for strengthening and flexibility
- Exercises to stabilize the spine and joints
- Exercise for cardiovascular health
- Training of job tasks that may consist of pushing, pulling, crouching, lifting, bending, sitting, or twisting
A work-hardening program requires a multidisciplinary approach. A typical session lasts eight hours a day, five days a week, over eight weeks. Injured workers' physical, psychological, and vocational needs get addressed by involving all parties committed to a rapid, stable, and safe return to work.
In addition to increasing strength and endurance, a work-hardening program can decrease stiffness and pain in the body. The patient rehabilitation program includes job-simulation tasks and specialized equipment for a quick and safe return to work.
The team at ACE Rehab is here to guide you after a work injury. We will assist you in navigating insurance claims with the corporation where you were injured and offer personalized treatment plans to get you back to your pre-injured self.
Ace Rehab specializes in therapy for auto and work injuries. Our highly trained, friendly, and clinically superior physical therapists will work with you to create a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs and goals. With 7 conveniently located offices, Ace Rehab serves the physical therapy needs of Virginia and the Washington D.C. area.