Occupational rehabilitation

	An occupational therapist works with a patient on strengthening exercises.

Occupational rehabilitation provides evaluation, education and treatment for injured workers or people experiencing chronic pain. The program includes specialized services for workers, including prevention and rehabilitation of injury through worksite and functional capacity evaluations and work conditioning. Therapists may also consult with employers to develop injury prevention programs.

Therapists work with Park Nicollet Occupational Medicine doctors and other professionals to provide the best care to patients.

Our services, programs

• MedX program 
• Lifestyle renewal 
• Helpful products

Self-care education

Sessions include assessment of current ability to function in work, home or leisure activities. An occupational therapist helps identify problems with functional activities, and demonstrates and trains patient in biomechanics and ergonomics to alleviate symptoms and disease.

Work-conditioning program

Services are provided by occupational therapists trained in rehabilitation for injured workers. To participate in the work conditioning program, a therapist completes an initial assessment to determine patient strength, flexibility, cardiovascular condition, functional abilities, exercise potential and patient motivation. If appropriate, a regularly scheduled program will be initiated one to five times per week for an average of four weeks to six weeks. The program provides structure and a gradual progression of exercises and work-simulated activities.

Worksite evaluation

A physical or occupational therapist will conduct an on-site assessment of patients’ workstations, specific work tasks and postures.

Functional capacity evaluation (FCE)

A specially trained occupational or physical therapist completes a two-day evaluation. This is a comprehensive, objective assessment of a person’s ability to perform work-related tasks. Tests record and observe patients’ strength, flexibility, endurance, cardiovascular fitness, material handling ability, coordination, static postures and repetitive movements, which helps determine safe maximum ability to work.

Prework screen

Local businesses and industries can request a prework screening to test a potential employee’s ability to meet the physical demands of a specific job. The person has received a conditional offer of employment from the employer before testing. Screenings are performed by a physical or occupational therapist.

Functional job analysis, job performance consultation

This service is provided by specially trained occupational or physical therapists, who work with companies to identify critical demands for a job. This work can help develop job descriptions or set prework screen criteria for a specific job.

Locations

View Park Nicollet locations that provide this service.

Contact information

General information, scheduling: 952-993-5900

Return to physical therapy page or occupational therapy page.