Functional Capacity Evaluations Specialists

Therapeutic Rehab Specialists

Physical Therapy & Intramuscular Dry Needling located in Pinellas Park, Brandon, Lakeland, FL

Often used in the hiring process, a functional capacity evaluation compares an employee’s health status and capabilities with the demands of the job and the work environment. For high-quality functional capacity evaluations, count on Anthony Pribila, DSc, and the team at Therapeutic Rehab Specialists. They provide evaluations related to job placement, workplace accommodations, and exams to clear a worker to return to work after an injury or illness. Call today or book a consultation with one of the offices, which are located in Brandon, North Pinellas Park, and Lakeland, Florida.

Functional Capacity Evaluations Q & A

 

 

What is a functional capacity evaluation?

A functional capacity evaluation is a comprehensive evaluation that assesses an employee’s potential for work while defining appropriate physical limitations and potential work restrictions. Employers often require a functional capacity evaluation after a worker has been injured. 

If you’ve been injured on the job, your evaluation at Therapeutic Rehab Specialists assesses your physical capabilities. The team verifies your maximum safe physical abilities before you return to work.

 

Why do I need a functional capacity evaluation? 

The functional capacity evaluation establishes the physical level of work that you're able to perform at your workplace. Employers generally request a functional capacity evaluation for a few purposes, including:

  • To determine a job placement
  • To establish job accommodations
  • To clear a worker to return after injury/illness

 

At Therapeutic Rehab Specialists, a functional capacity evaluation provides objective information describing an employee's capacity to measure up to the physical demands of the job.

 

What happens during a functional capacity evaluation? 

Expect your functional capacity evaluation to vary based on the purpose of the assessment. In general, you can expect a practitioner at Therapeutic Rehab Specialists to ask questions about your health, review your medical records, and perform a musculoskeletal screening. 

Your assessment may include functional testing, where you're graded as you perform various physical tasks. These tasks may include:

  • Lifting
  • Carrying
  • Pushing
  • Pulling
  • Sitting
  • Balancing
  • Reaching
  • Stooping
  • Kneeling
  • Grasping
  • Object handling/manipulation

 

As you perform these actions, your practitioner at Therapeutic Rehab Specialists monitors your pain levels. This is to not only document your levels of pain during various activities, but also to determine whether pain management may be necessary for a return to work. 

 

What happens after my functional capacity evaluation?

Your practitioner at Therapeutic Rehab Specialists prepares a functional capacity evaluation report for your employer or potential employers. Generally, these reports include an overall physical demand level, a summary of job-specific physical capabilities, an overview of performance consistency and overall effort, and job match information. 

The report also may include recommended adaptations to enhance your performance and treatment recommendations, if requested. Some reports also include an assessment of your ability to meet the cognitive demands of the job.

 

How long does a functional capacity evaluation take? 

Your evaluation is an in-depth review of your work-related capabilities. As a result, expect the exam at Therapeutic Rehab Specialists to take four to five hours. 

For high-quality functional capacity evaluations, call Therapeutic Rehab Specialists today or book an evaluation online.