Work Conditioning Program
A medically monitored and individually progressed work-based program designed to restore a client’s strength, endurance, movement, and flexibility.

Components:

• Includes work skills, aerobic endurance, strength, and flexibility activities.
• Based on specific weekly goals.
• Workers are educated in proper posture, safe body mechanics, self management of their symptoms, prevention of injury and home exercises.
• The program can range from 1-4 hour sessions, depending on the need, and lasting anywhere from 1-3 months.
• Program can be used in combination with part-time work as well as pre-return to work.
• Frequent communication with the referral source regarding progress.

Referral Process:
A job description/analysis is required to simulate job tasks during the program.
Workers usually attend 5 days a week. Frequency is determined by the referral source and therapist.
Program duration is 4 to 6 weeks.

Work Site Evaluation Job Modification:
A licensed Physical Therapist, with training in the field of ergonomics, will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the physical layout, equipment used and specific tasks required for a job. Ergonomic risk factors are identified including awkward postures, use of force, presence of highly repetitive tasks, as well as contact stress and vibration. Specific recommendations are made regarding mitigation of identified risks. A high amount of consideration is given to minimizing costs throughout the evaluation and modification process.

Physical Capacity Evaluation:
The Physical Capacity Evaluation is designed to rapidly and accurately define a client’s ability to work and at what level. Kitsap Physical Therapy uses the Ergoscience PCE System which consists of a series of standardized tests customized to each client’s work history and future work demands—administered by a licensed Therapist certified in the Ergoscience system.

• Covers all 20 work demands defined by the Department of Labor.
• Determines if the worker provides maximal effort during testing.
• Generates “user friendly” reports which clearly state an injured worker’s physical capabilities and limitations.
• Utilizes methods proven to be valid and reliable as published in the Journal of Occupational Medicine.
• Evaluations are normally scheduled within 7-10 working days and may be scheduled sooner if urgency dictates.

Chronic Pain Program:
A medically monitored and individually progressed program that is based on current concepts in pain management.
It is separate, but similar programs for persons with chronic low back pain, cervical/thoracic pain and upper extremity neurovascular pain. Focus is on self-treatment and self reassessment which puts the client in control and emphasizes client responsibility for their outcome. Clients attend 1-2 sessions per week for 4 weeks and then complete the program with weekly sessions over 8 additional weeks. The program includes aerobic and conditioning exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, posture and body awareness training, and education in body mechanics and workplace ergonomics.

Referral Process:
A referral for a client home exercise kit is required. This allows the client to perform a large part of their treatment at home, thereby reducing overall costs.