How a Hand Therapist Uses Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) for Treatment
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) are highly specialized services used by hand therapists to assess and measure the physical capabilities and limits of patients. These evaluations involve extensive physical and evaluative testing to determine factors such as strength, endurance, positional tolerance, and daily physical demands. FCEs are particularly beneficial for injured employees, as they help identify the root cause of the injury and provide insights into preventing further damage in the future. The objective data gathered through FCEs defines the current limits of the injured employee and guides improvements in their functional capacity.
In addition to being one of a small number of providers specializing in hand and upper extremity FCEs, we also provide FCEs that address whole body function. We are Matheson trained and certified, the gold standard of all FCEs.
What Do Functional Capacity Evaluations Involve?
FCEs serve several purposes and aim to answer specific questions related to the patient’s condition and work-related abilities, including:
- Safe Return to Work: Can the patient safely return to work?
- Pain Assessment: How severe is the patient’s pain?
- Job Capabilities: What type of job tasks can the patient handle physically?
- Safe Lifting Tolerances: What are the patient’s safe lifting limits?
- Work Accommodations: What work accommodations can be made to facilitate the patient’s return to work?
- Rehabilitation Guidance: What is the next appropriate step for rehabilitation?
- Endurance and Cardiovascular Limitations: What are the patient’s endurance limitations for work activities?
- Positional Tolerances: What are the patient’s tolerances for standing, sitting, and walking positions?
Functional Capacity Evaluations benefit various stakeholders involved in the process, including the injured employee, employer, physician, insurance company, attorney (if applicable), case manager (if applicable), and vocational consultant (if applicable). These evaluations help determine safe return-to-work plans, identify physical limitations, and establish appropriate accommodations or work restrictions.
Benefits of Functional Capacity Evaluations
Functional Capacity Evaluations offer several benefits, with a primary focus on assisting injured employees in healing and returning to work safely. By determining appropriate levels of physical demands for the patient, FCEs reduce the risk of reinjury. These evaluations also help identify areas for physical improvement, enabling patients to make their workday more comfortable and efficient.
With scientifically developed and objective results, FCEs provide valuable information to employers. They help establish safety standards and protocols to reduce the risk of injuries and workers’ compensation claims. Overall, Functional Capacity Evaluations contribute to creating a safe and pain-free workplace environment for everyone.
Contact Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab Today:
At our Fort Myers, FL therapy practice, we are committed to preventing injuries and facilitating safe returns to work. If you are recovering from a work-related hand injury, participating in a Functional Capacity Evaluation will help you understand your physical limits before returning to work. By undergoing an FCE, you can reduce the risk of reinjury and ensure a safer work experience. Contact Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how Functional Capacity Evaluations can significantly reduce your risk of work-related hand injuries.
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