Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs): Comprehensive Assessment for Safe Return to Work and Disability Evaluation

What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)?

An FCE is a comprehensive assessment that measures your ability to perform job-related physical tasks. Using objective testing protocols, our FCE process evaluates the physical requirements needed for work, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and other functional movements. The results provide clear information about your capabilities and limitations, helping guide decisions about work readiness, accommodations, and potential restrictions..

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Who Needs a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

FCEs are often used to support individuals in various situations, such as:

• Return-to-Work Assessment: For individuals recovering from an injury or illness, FCEs help determine if they are ready to return to work and identify any accommodations or modifications needed for a safe transition.

• Disability Evaluation: For those seeking disability benefits, FCEs provide objective documentation of physical limitations and abilities.

• Workers' Compensation Cases: FCEs are used to establish the extent of an injury and create an appropriate treatment or rehabilitation plan, ensuring you can safely resume work duties.

• Legal and Insurance Claims: For legal or insurance purposes, FCEs provide reliable evidence regarding physical capabilities, helping resolve claims efficiently.

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What to Expect During an FCE

Our FCE process includes a thorough evaluation of your physical abilities, which may include:

• Strength Testing: We assess upper and lower body strength through specific tasks like lifting, pushing, and pulling, simulating job requirements.

• Endurance Testing: Endurance tasks measure your ability to sustain physical activity over time, ensuring readiness for sustained work.

• Mobility and Flexibility Assessments: Evaluations of range of motion and flexibility are essential for jobs that require bending, reaching, or prolonged standing or sitting.

• Functional Movements and Job Simulation: We incorporate tasks that simulate work demands to measure job-specific functional capacity accurately.

• Safety and Pain Assessment: Throughout the evaluation, we monitor pain levels and any safety concerns to ensure each task is performed without unnecessary discomfort or risk.

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Benefits of a Functional Capacity Evaluation

• Objective, Reliable Results: FCEs provide standardized, objective data on your physical abilities, supporting fair and informed decision-making.

• Individualized Return-to-Work Planning: Based on your FCE results, we help develop a realistic, safe return-to-work plan tailored to your physical capabilities.

• Clear Documentation for Claims: FCEs provide essential documentation for workers’ compensation, disability claims, and legal cases, offering a clear picture of functional limitations.

• Injury Prevention: By assessing potential risks and limitations, FCEs help prevent re-injury by ensuring job tasks match your current physical abilities.

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Why Choose Us for Your Functional Capacity Evaluation?

Our physical therapy team is trained in conducting detailed, accurate FCEs, ensuring a comprehensive view of your physical capabilities. We use standardized assessment protocols and personalized analysis to ensure the most accurate results for your unique situation. Whether you need an FCE for return-to-work, disability assessment, or workers’ compensation, our clinic provides thorough, reliable evaluations to guide your next steps.

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Schedule Your Functional Capacity Evaluation Today

If you need an FCE to return to work, complete a disability evaluation, or support a workers’ compensation case, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your Functional Capacity Evaluation and get the information you need for a safe, informed return to work.