Occupational Therapists and Work Rehab Programs
The goals of work rehabilitation programs include maximizing levels of function among workers after their illness or injury; facilitating their safe and timely return to work; and preventing future injuries and illnesses in relation to the workplace. This is where occupational therapists come in, thanks to their education, training and work experience.
Occupational therapists possess the right combination of knowledge and skills in evaluating individuals’ interactions with their work environment and demands in relation to their physical, mental and social wellness. Their work makes them involved in various aspects of work rehabilitation. For trained occupational therapists, visit any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one at Corona near Norco, Home Gardens, Mira Loma, and Pedley).
- Acute injury and illness management
The occupational therapist works with the employer in determining the gaps between the demands of a job and an employee’s existing performance abilities. This will be followed by preparing a plan to compensate the gaps in a timely manner, which will benefit both the employer and employee. The common benefits include decreased risks for illness and injuries in the workplace, work productivity, and workers’ compensation expenses, among others.
- Work conditioning
The occupational therapist is also knowledgeable and skilled about work conditioning programs, which are designed to restore workers’ normal work performance after recovering from long-term illness or injury. The focus is on the restoration of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems particularly in relation to safe performance of the roles and responsibilities of the job. This is typically achieved by combining work simulation and circuit training 3-5 days a week for 2-4 hours per day.
- Work hardening
While work conditioning and work hardening have similar approaches, the main difference between the two is in the multidisciplinary approach used in the latter. Work hardening includes ergonomic evaluation, psychomedical counselling, transitional work services, and job coaching. Employees usually involve 5 days a week, 2-4 hours per day of treatment sessions, which can include a transitional work program involving actual performance of job duties at the workplace.
- Functional capacity evaluation
Standardized and validated testing are used in determining safe job matches, level of reasonable accommodations, and making recommendations for future interventions. The results may also be used for making a disability rating necessary for insurance purposes.
Ask your occupational therapist about these matters now!
Visit any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one at Irwindale near Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village, for more information about these programs.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Irwindale, which is conveniently located by Duarte, Azusa, West Covina, Vincent, and Mayflower Village. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.