When patients have experienced significant time off the job, often due to surgery or a debilitating injury, they may go through work hardening after completing acute therapy and work
conditioning. This comprehensive program is designed to assist an employee in getting back to their pre-injury level of functioning. Following a comprehensive evaluation and abilities
assessment, a graduated return-to-work plan is established that includes education, safe work methods, body mechanics, workstation stretching, task rotation and effective work practice
education. Conditioning and strengthening address weakness and flexibility issues, and work-integration simulation provides the opportunity for employees to use real work activities to better
prepare them for a safe transition back to work.