FAQ
Yes, at some point along the recovery journey, Work Conditioning is a relevant and necessary part of the successful return to work process. Work Conditioning operates on a spectrum.
It may represent a small self-managed set of activities that improves quality of life and prepares your customer to take the first steps toward re-entering in the workforce to a highly specified physical and cognitive program that prepares your customer to “hit the ground running” on their first day back at work.
If you’re unsure as to whether now is the right time to introduce Work Conditioning, give us a call and we can collaboratively make that decision.
Yes, we often start in the home, especially where the customer may be living in remote areas, does not have access to transport or in cases where specific domestic ADL milestones might be the initial focus. As the overarching goal of our Work-Conditioning programs is to make returning to work more achievable, transitioning programs outside of the home is a logical progression.
We understand how difficult it can be to convey the concept of Work Conditioning and how it will benefit your customer. Here are a couple of ideas that we work off to explain our process. We hope you find them useful
For the information hungry customer:
“A Work Conditioning program is a physical activity-based intervention that guides you to improve your ability to manage necessary tasks ranging from ADLs up to very specific work-related tasks. As the program is highly specific, it usually commences with an Assessment to assist the Exercise Physiologist to determine the most effective set of exercises to bring about the best outcome. Over a series of consultations, the Exercise Physiologist will impart the skills and knowledge for you to become independent in your Work Conditioning Program and assist you to feel more capable and resilient.”
For the customer who “just wants the headlines”:
“The Work Conditioning process consists of an Assessment and an exercise-based program. The Work Conditioning Assessment identifies the gaps that exist between your current state of function and functional capacity required to allow you to get back to doing the things you need to do both effectively and safely. The program is the road map that links where you are now to where you need to be.
For the customer who is not at the stage of contemplating a return to work:
A work conditioning program delivers quality of life outcomes that provides the framework for you to become more independent and build confidence in your functional capacity. It will often take the form of a small number of manageable exercises and stretches designed to help you improve your strength and stamina or help you manage symptoms such as pain. This can often form the first steps of a return to work pathway.