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.
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:
You’re recovering from a work-related injury
You’re unsure whether you can return to your previous job
Your employer or insurer needs verification of your physical ability
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:
- Simulated work tasks tailored to your job
- Cardiovascular and strength training
- Education on body mechanics and injury prevention
- Ergonomic assessments and adaptations
- Mental preparation and confidence-building for returning to the workplace
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?
- Licensed, experienced therapists trained in occupational rehab
- Standardized, legally defensible evaluations
- Individualized Work Hardening programs that simulate job-specific tasks
- Clear communication with referring physicians and case managers
- Supportive environment focused on safe, confident return to work
Our goal is to empower you to return to work safely, without risking re-injury, equipped with the strength, skills, and confidence you need.
