Functional Capacity Evaluations

Functional Capacity Evaluations & Work Hardening Programs

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) and Work Hardening Programs are specialized services designed to assess and restore a patient’s ability to safely perform work–related tasks—critical for those injured on the job or seeking return-to-work under New York workers’ compensation and no-fault laws.

What They Are

  • Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE): A comprehensive series of tests—strength, endurance, flexibility, positional tolerance, and simulated job tasks—objectively measuring your current work capabilities (NYS Workers Compensation Board).
  • Work Hardening Program: A structured, job-specific rehabilitation plan that uses graded physical activities, simulated work tasks, and education to build strength, stamina, and functional competency for your actual job demands (Upstream).

Common Uses

  • Return-to-work clearance after workplace injury or surgery
  • Objective documentation for workers’ compensation and no-fault claims
  • Vocational assessments and disability determinations
  • Development of customized work hardening or conditioning plans

How TLC Applies These Programs

  1. FCE Process:
    • Prescribed by your NYS–licensed physician at or near maximum medical improvement (NYS Workers Compensation Board).
    • Conducted by our NYS–licensed therapists under constant supervision, with no prior carrier authorization required.
    • Includes standardized lifting, carrying, push/pull, endurance, and positional tolerance tests—all compared against your job’s physical demands.
  2. Work Hardening Protocol:
    • Begins after FCE identifies deficits and safe capacities.
    • Uses simulated job tasks (lifting, stooping, overhead work) and functional exercises to progressively increase load and complexity.
    • Integrates ergonomic training and energy-conservation techniques to optimize efficiency and prevent re-injury.
    • Monitored via periodic re-testing and physician collaboration to meet WC Board guidelines.

Advantages of This Method vs. Invasive Approaches

  • Objective, Quantifiable Data: FCEs provide legally defensible metrics without exploratory surgery (ACCES NYS Education Department).
  • Tailored, Safe Return-to-Work: Work hardening rebuilds job-specific capacity and reduces re-injury risk instead of relying on passive modalities or off-the-shelf work clearances.
  • Regulatory Compliance & Efficiency: Meets NY WCB requirements (no prior authorization, physician-prescribed), streamlining claim approvals and minimizing downtime (NYS Workers Compensation Board).
  • Empowers Recovery: Patients gain confidence and practical skills—ergonomics, pacing, task modification—avoiding the complications and costs of invasive interventions.

References

  1. New York State Workers’ Compensation Board. Practitioner’s Report of Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE-4). NY WCB Form FCE-4. (NYS Workers Compensation Board)
  2. NYS Education Department, ACCES-VR. Functional Capacity Evaluation Guidelines. Accessed December 2013. (ACCES NYS Education Department)

Upstream Rehabilitation. Work Conditioning vs. Work Hardening: Ultimate Rehab Guide. 2023. (Upstream)