Rehab and Sports Medicine is the premier site for work rehabilitation, also known as work hardening. Our program is named WORKonnection, as we provide the vital link between the injured employee, the employer, and the medical team.

Work hardening facilitates return to work while addressing issues of:
· productivity
· safety
· physical tolerance
· work behaviors.

CARF Certified
WORKonnection uses real or simulated work activities in a relevant work environment, along with physical conditioning tasks Our team approach provides comprehensive case management for difficult injuries. Rehab and Sports Medicine was awarded the highest level of accreditation by CARF for having a quality, multi-disciplinary program.

Staff Qualifications
Certified in office and functional ergonomics, licensed Occupational or Physical Therapists with advanced training in occupational rehabilitation design individual, effective, goal-oriented programs to facilitate a safe and timely return to work.

Job Site Consultation
As a program service, one of our therapists will visit the workplace to perform a job site assessment. During the on-site assessment, the therapist will make recommendations regarding safety and ergonomics to prevent strains and injuries. The on-site visit also ensures that job simulation tasks are accurately performed in work hardening.

Work Hardening Program Activities
Work hardening integrates 4 necessary components:
· work simulation
· physical reconditioning
· aerobic training
· education
· safety.

Functional Capacity Evaluation
At the start of the work hardening program, all clients undergo an initial evaluation of work tasks (lifting, pushing/pulling, carrying, reaching, squatting, hand manipulation) to determine present physical abilities.
These abilities are matched with the critical job demands, obtained from the employer, employee's job description and through a client interview. Based on findings of this evaluation, the work hardening program is designed to improve on the areas where a discrepancy occurs between the client's ability and the ability required for the job.

Team Approach
The client meets weekly with our WORKonnection team, which consists of an OT, PT, RN and Psychologist. Goals are updated and a weekly progress report is sent to all interested parties, including the employer, insurance carrier/workers compensation and Physician.
Our team approach facilitates a timely return to work. We work with the employer to get the client back to work, progressing from restricted to full duty.

Length of Stay
The average length of stay for a client in work hardening is 3-4 weeks. Duration may be 1-8 hours per day 3-5 days per week. For more information please contact at Rehab and Sports Medicine at (920) 262-4220.