Safe recovery. Objective testing. Confident return to work.
At THEORY Physical Therapy, we provide specialized physical therapy, Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs), and work conditioning programs to help injured workers recover safely, restore function, and confidently return to the physical demands of their job.
Our programs are designed to support both the injured worker and the referring employer, case manager, attorney, or physician by providing clear, objective, job-specific recommendations.
Functional CAPACITY EVALUATION
A Functional Capacity Evaluation is a comprehensive one-on-one assessment that measures a person’s physical abilities, limitations, consistency of effort, and ability to safely perform work-related tasks.
At THEORY Physical Therapy, our FCEs are:
- objective
- job-specific
- research supported
- defensible
- based on validated criteria
- appropriate for legal and disability determinations
We assess lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, positional tolerances, endurance, hand function, dexterity, and job-specific task demands.
Our reports provide:
- overall physical demand level
- return-to-work readiness
- job match recommendations
- accommodation guidance
- performance consistency
- voluntary effort analysis
- disability baseline abilities
- treatment recommendations when requested
FCEs are completed one-on-one and typically last 3 to 4 hours.
Who May Benefit From an FCE?
An FCE may be appropriate for:
- work-related injuries
- workers’ compensation cases
- return-to-work clearance
- alternate duty placement
- Social Security Disability applications
- catastrophic injury cases
- vocational rehabilitation
- transitional student work programs
- post-illness return to volunteer or work roles
What Are the Components of the FCE?
Every Functional Capacity Evaluation is tailored to the purpose of the assessment, but most evaluations include four key components:
- interview and psychometric screening
- clinical testing
- functional testing
- review of findings and recommendations
Functional testing may include:
- lifting
- carrying
- pushing and pulling
- sitting tolerance
- standing tolerance
- walking
- balancing
- reaching
- stooping
- kneeling
- crouching
- crawling
- object handling
- hand dexterity
- grip strength
- endurance
- job-specific task simulation
Pain monitoring is frequently included throughout the evaluation to document reported symptoms during activity and ensure safe testing progression.
The final FCE report provides a clear summary of physical demand level, performance consistency, job match recommendations, and return-to-work guidance.
WORK CONDITIONING
Work conditioning is a structured physical therapy program designed to help injured workers safely rebuild the strength, flexibility, endurance, and movement capacity required for their job.
This program uses job-specific exercises and simulated work tasks such as:
- lifting
- carrying
- pushing
- pulling
- reaching
- kneeling
- crouching
- ladder or stair tolerance
- repetitive movements
- sustained standing
- tolerance for desk or driving positions
The goal is to improve work performance, reduce reinjury risk, and restore confidence before returning to full duty.