Industrial Rehabilitation Services is a structured and goal-oriented program in the Metro-Boston area designed to help people identify work capacities, regain functional skills and return to work after an injury.

Evaluations

Functional Capacity Evaluations — This two-to three-hour evaluation is designed to help determine a person's ability to safely function in a work environment, reducing risk of re-injury. Strength, flexibility and capacity to perform work tasks, such as lifting, carrying, typing, computer work, kneeling and squatting are assessed. In this way the client and industrial rehabilitation team can determine an individual's current abilities and develop an appropriate treatment plan to facilitate safe return to work.

Work Site Evaluations — A therapist from the Industrial Rehabilitation team will go directly to the place of employment and observe the worker performing his/her job duties. This allows the therapist to identify any potential job hazards and offer suggestions to help the person perform his/her job more comfortably and easily. Workstation modifications for improved ergonomics and safety will be recommended as needed.

Work Hardening

Work Hardening is a comprehensive rehabilitation program that uses an interdisciplinary approach to help the injured worker safely return to work.

The goals of a work hardening program are to help you:

•	Develop a physical tolerance for work
•	Regain flexibility, mobility, strength and endurance
•	Learn safe work techniques
•	Assess tools or job modifications for a safe return to work
•	Explore career options
•	Understand your injury and how to manage pain.

Treatment Program — The occupational and physical therapists work closely with the person to design an individualized program consisting of:

•	Stretching and strengthening exercises
•	Cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditioning programs
•	Individualized work simulations programs using the BTE Work Simulator, Work Evaluation Systems Technology (WEST), Valpar Assessment Systems, an ergonomically designed computer workstation and simulated tools and materials used on the job
•	Education on injury prevention, body mechanics, posture, nutrition, pain control strategies and muscle tension reduction techniques.

If needed, a Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission consultation is available to assist with transition back to work or to explore alternative options.

Admission Criteria - Appropriate candidates for Work Hardening generally:

•	Wish to return to work, but currently are unable to, due to strength and functional limitations
•	Have a job to return to
•	Have a physician's order/prescription to begin treatment
•	Are medically stable

Corporate Services / WIP (Work Injury Prevention) Team

In addition to providing excellent rehabilitative services, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital specializes in workers' safety and injury prevention. Our team of industrial rehabilitation professionals provides work site evaluations, potential work risk analysis and education to employees and managers to improve safety in the work place. Goals of the corporate service are to reduce work related injuries, loss time and workers' compensation expenses.

For more information

To discuss which services would best meet the unique needs of your business, please contact our corporate consulting team at (781) 391-7518, ext. 248.