Functional Capacity Evaluations and Work Hardening

Helping You Safely Return to Work After Injury

When injury or illness impacts your ability to work, it’s important to have a clear, objective path forward. At Dosher Physical Therapy, we offer Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) and Work Hardening Programs to help patients, physicians, and employers make informed decisions about work readiness, physical limitations, and return-to-duty timelines. These services are designed to ensure that your recovery is complete, not just on paper, but in practice.

Functional movement training in physical therapy.

What Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)?

An FCE is a comprehensive, standardized assessment used to evaluate an individual’s physical ability to perform job-related tasks. It’s often used in the context of:

  • Workers’ compensation cases
  • Disability claims
  • Return-to-work planning
  • Pre-employment screenings
  • Legal or insurance documentation

Our FCEs are conducted by licensed physical therapists who assess a wide range of functions, including:

  • Lifting, pushing, and pulling
  • Bending, reaching, and squatting
  • Walking, standing, and sitting tolerance
  • Grip strength and fine motor skills
  • Endurance and cardiovascular capacity

The results provide objective data on a patient’s functional limitations and capabilities, which can help guide medical decisions, employer accommodations, or vocational rehabilitation.

When Is an FCE Needed?

You may be referred for an FCE if:

work injury

You’re recovering from a work-related injury

Return-to-work rehabilitation and work conditioning.

You’re unsure whether you can return to your previous job

Physical therapy care and evidence-based rehabilitation.

Your employer or insurer needs verification of your physical ability

Physical therapy support for injury concerns and recovery.

There are concerns about re-injury or permanent restrictions

What Is Work Hardening?

Work Hardening is a highly structured, goal-oriented therapy program that helps individuals rebuild the physical and mental stamina needed for job performance. Unlike traditional physical therapy, it simulates actual work tasks to bridge the gap between rehab and return to work.

Key components of Work Hardening at Dosher PT include:

Work Hardening is ideal for patients who are physically healed but not yet ready to meet the full demands of their job, especially those in physically demanding occupations.

Why Choose Dosher for FCEs and Work Hardening?

Our goal is to empower you to return to work safely, without risking re-injury, equipped with the strength, skills, and confidence you need.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery and Return to Work

Whether you need a functional capacity evaluation or a structured work hardening program, Dosher PT is here to support your full recovery and successful return to employment. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation or learn more about our occupational rehab services.

Recovery and rehabilitation after an injury.