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Work Hardening/Work Conditioning
Work Hardening is a comprehensive rehabilitation program through HealthSouth Rehabilitation of Mechanicsburg geared towards returning injured workers to productive employment. The goal of Work Hardening is the employee's successful return to work or to maximize the employee's physical / functional capabilities.
Work Conditioning is a continuation of our rehabilitation programs geared towards helping employees who has moved beyond the acute phase of their injury and recovery, to increase their strength and endurance, thereby allowing them to return to full-duty employment.
Program Components
- Work Safety Education and Awareness: proper body mechanics/proper lifting
techniques
- Pain Management Techniques: proper use of heat / ice and stretching exercises
exercises
- Aerobic Conditioning: treadmill, stationary bike, upper body exerciser (BTE)
- Strengthening and Endurance Training: reverse deconditioning status
- Work Simulation Tasks to Mimic Work Environment: progressively increase
- Work Site Observations: assess return to work environment
- Case Management: communication with physician, rehab nurse, employer
Work Hardening Therapy Benefits
- Improve flexibility
- Improve muscle strength
- Improve activity endurance
- Improve self-confidence to return to work
- Reduce potential for re-injury
- Improve work tolerance / physical demand level
- Improve safe work habits and practices
- Reduce time off / timely return to work
- Improve cardiovascular status
- Improve body mechanics, lifting techniques, and postures
- Provide physician with safe return to work performance parameters
Frequency of Treatment
Typical Duration of Treatment
Special Features of Work Hardening Program
- Case management with involved parties
- Ongoing physician contact
- Coordinated therapy schedule with employer
