Functional capacity evaluation in Des Peres, MO. Functional capacity evaluations (FCE) are essential in getting Des Peres, MO residents back to work and their daily routine after workplace injuries. At Axes Physical Therapy, we specialize in providing detailed evaluations that help Des Peres, MO citizens get back to the activities they love and get back to their employment, supporting their families and being involved in the community. We do what we do not just to assess your injury and recovery, but to help you return to your best you safely and with confidence in your skills.

All of our functional capacity evaluations and treatment modalities are backed by science. Call the Axes location nearest you or schedule an appointment online now.

What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

A functional capacity evaluation is a exhaustive collection of assessments designed to gauge the performance levels of an individual across different functions, particularly concerning tasks they perform at work. It proves crucial for Des Peres, MO medical professionals, including physical therapists and occupational therapists, to evaluate a person’s work capabilities and functionally perform basic tasks. This assessment is extremely vital for individuals in recovery from a work-related injury or illness, and are aiming to rejoin the workforce or need modifications in their job tasks based on their present functional capacity.

Here are some key aspects of functional capacity evaluations in Des Peres, MO:

• Purpose: A functional capacity evaluations primary goal is to assess if someone is physically capable of carrying out tasks related to their job, and/or if they need modifications. It’s often used in cases of workers’ compensation to determine if an employee can return to work after an injury, or what changes are required to fit their current capabilities.
• Components: A functional capacity evaluation usually includes tests that assess strength, endurance, flexibility, and range of motion. It further evaluates the ability to execute task-specific functions such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• Duration: The evaluation may extend from several hours to a full day, depending on the complexity of the individual’s circumstances and the specific needs of the job or activities being examined.
• Results: The outcome of a functional capacity evaluation play a key role in establishing rehabilitation goals, ascertaining if an individual can safely return to work, establishing disability claims, or in legal cases to determine the impact of the injury on your ability to work.
• Use in Rehabilitation: Even outside of employment contexts, physical and occupational therapists may use functional capacity evaluations to monitor progress and update treatment plans in accordance with the patient’s recovery or changes in functional status.

The results from a functional capacity evaluation help guide the rest of your treatment and rehabilitation. They provide definitive data that can help Des Peres, MO health professionals, employers, insurance companies, and other relevant parties make educated decisions about a worker’s readiness to return to work and the type of accommodations that could be required to aid this return. By understanding the functional limitations and capabilities, everyone involved can work together to create a productive and accommodating work environment that supports an individual’s recovery needs in Des Peres, MO while ensuring productivity.

At Axes Physical Therapy in Des Peres, MO, the functional capacity evaluation process employs the Bio-Ergonomics FCE system developed by Vic Zuccarello. This system merges an understanding of biomechanics with ergonomics to provide a peer-reviewed, scientifically sound, and legally defensible evaluation. This comprehensive approach ensures that the evaluation is completely comprehensive but also tailored to your particular job requirements in Des Peres, MO and health status, aiding a smoother transition back to work.

Preparing for Your Functional Capacity Evaluation in Des Peres, MO

Experiencing a functional capacity evaluation in Des Peres, MO at Axes Physical Therapy consists of a systematic process customized to extensively assess your physical capabilities with respect to your job demands. Here is what you can look forward to during the evaluation:

• Pre-Evaluation Interview: A discussion about your medical history, specific job requirements, and any concerns you might raise.
• Standardized Testing: Includes a series of tests that evaluate your physical strength, endurance, flexibility, and other abilities applicable to your work.
• Specific Task Simulation: Perform work-related tasks that mimic the actual activities you would carry out at work.
• Cardiovascular Assessment: Measures your stamina and cardiovascular health, particularly your ability to perform sustained activities.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: After the evaluation, the data collected is processed to create a detailed report that outlines your capabilities and any limitations.

These steps guarantee a thorough assessment, providing critical data to help plan your return to work or adjust your work activities based on your current functional capacity.

Des Peres, MO Functional Capacity Evaluations and Workplace Injury Recovery

A functional capacity evaluation is crucial in the recovery and reintegration process for Des Peres, MO workers who have incurred workplace injuries. By evaluating an individual’s physical abilities in a comprehensive and scientifically proven manner, functional capacity evaluations fulfill multiple vital roles in the context of occupational health and safety. Here’s how the functional capacity evaluation affects various stakeholders involved in workplace injury recovery:

• Guidance for Physicians: Doctors use the objective data from functional capacity evaluations to more accurately assess the extent of an injury and to advise suitable medical or rehabilitation measures. It assists in formulating further treatment by detailing physical limitations and capacities.
• Decision-Making Tool for Employers: Employers gain from functional capacity evaluations as they provide a precise assessment of an employee’s functional status, aiding decisions regarding the need for job accommodations, modifications, or even a change in role to accommodate the employee’s current capabilities.
• Support for Insurance and Legal Considerations: Insurance companies and legal professionals utilize functional capacity evaluation results to formulate informed judgments about claims related to workers’ compensation. The Bio-Ergonomics FCE confirms that the evaluations are sustainable in court, providing compelling evidence that upholds or disputes a claim.
• Reassurance for the Injured Worker: For those injured at work, a functional capacity evaluation provides a credible, transparent assessment of what activities you can safely perform, minimizing the risk of re-injury by prematurely returning to work without appropriate accommodations. This process plays a vital role in setting realistic expectations and supports the worker’s psychological recovery, assuring that the worker’s return to work is handled with care and precision.
• Collaboration Among Parties: Functional capacity evaluation promotes a collaborative approach to an injured worker’s return to work. By developing a common understanding of the individual’s functional abilities, it assists align the goals of healthcare providers, employers, and insurance carriers, confirming that all parties are working towards the most effective recovery plan.

Axes Physical Therapy’s Approach to Functional Capacity Evaluations in Des Peres, MO

Axes Physical Therapy’s way to functional capacity evaluation is recognized by its implementation of the Bio-Ergonomics FCE system, produced by Vic Zuccarello in 2005. This approach is considered to be the gold standard for FCE and work rehabilitation in Des Peres, MO, and the bi-state region for over a span of three decades. Vic was viewed as the “go-to” expert by Des Peres, MO physicians, case managers, adjusters, and attorneys with difficult cases and the confidence to present under oath. The system implements his experience and an evidence-based protocol to identify test behaviors and to document accurately, helping the physician to determine maximal medical improvement (MMI).

Axes Physical Therapy prides itself on supporting effective recovery and safe return-to-work methodologies through meticulous and scientifically-backed functional capacity evaluations. Our method not only helps in accurately assessing an individual’s capacity to perform their job but also plays a critical role in managing the broader implications of work-related injuries in Des Peres, MO.

Call Axes For Your Functional Capacity Evaluation in Des Peres, MO

At Axes Physical Therapy in Des Peres, MO, we are devoted to helping our clients return to work and daily life through the precise, scientifically-backed functional capacity evaluation process. Using the Bio-Ergonomics FCE system developed by Vic Zuccarello in 2005, our evaluations are not only dependable and legally valid but are also deeply rooted in a holistic approach to patient care. We aim to ensure that every patient can safely resume the activities and work they love, with a clear understanding of their capabilities and limitations.

If you or someone you know in Des Peres, MO is recovering from a workplace injury, consider a functional capacity evaluation with Axes Physical Therapy. Request an appointment online or call the Axes location nearest you. Together, let’s take a step towards a safe and effective recovery.