Services
Work hardening
A structured program that practices the real tasks of the job, in longer blocks that build toward a full shift, for workers in heavy or fast-paced work.
We set up a task area from your employer's job description, then you rehearse the job with a therapist watching and a record kept.
This care may fit you if
Your job is heavy or fast
Warehouse, factory, dock, farm and driving jobs are the usual fit.
Conditioning alone is not enough
Your therapist and doctor want to see you handle the real tasks before a release.
Your employer has a job description
We can build the tasks from it, or from a walk-through of the job.
You are close to returning
You are working toward a full shift and need the stamina to match.
How a day builds
- 01
Arrival and warm-up
A short warm-up and a check on how the last session went.
- 02
Job tasks in blocks
Tasks from your job, practiced in blocks of increasing length and load.
- 03
Rest, record and review
Rest breaks, a record of each task and a review with your therapist at the end.
What shapes your plan
What decides how long it lasts
Your doctor's orders, how close the tasks are to your job, how you handle each block and what your claim authorizes. We tell you and your adjuster what we expect as the plan changes.
Who treats you
A licensed physical therapist plans and signs every session. An assistant may coach practice blocks under the therapist's direction.
How it is paid for
Work hardening is usually billed to the workers' compensation claim. We confirm that before your first visit.
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, a sudden severe headache or pain, new weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or a fall with a head injury needs emergency care now. Call 911.
Questions about work hardening
What is the difference from work conditioning?
Conditioning builds general capacity. Hardening practices your actual job tasks, in longer blocks. The comparison on the home page sets them side by side.
What do I wear?
Clothes and closed shoes you would work in. Bring your boots if the job needs them.
Who reads the record?
You, your doctor and, when the claim allows, your employer and adjuster. They see tasks and results, not your whole chart.
Talk to us about work hardening
Call the front desk, or send a message and we will call you back on the next working day.