Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) in Mechanicsburg, PA
At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Mechanicsburg, PA, we provide comprehensive Physical Therapy Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) to help individuals, their employers, and insurers understand physical capabilities and limitations. This builds a foundation to ensure a safe and effective return to work after injury or illness and safety in all daily work activities.
If you are recovering from an injury after an accident or need a general functional capacity assessment for your workplace, our experienced team of certified physical therapists is ready to support you every step of the way. Meet our certified therapists.
What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)?
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a series of highly focused tests aimed at determining an individual’s physical abilities, capabilities, and limitations. These evaluations are critical to document a person’s capacity for performing work-related tasks. The tests measure strength, endurance, positional tolerance, and ability to meet daily physical demands.
Physical Therapy Functional Capacity Evaluation testing is typically completed after an employee is injured to determine the root of the injury. Employers and insurers often request an FCE in the case of an injury, a disability claim, or other return-to-work functional capacity assessments. Specific attention is paid to how to prevent additional damage in the future and develop a plan to support the employee’s ability to return to work safely.
Functional Capacity Evaluations provide additional information to several people likely involved with the patient’s case, like the injured employee, employer, physicians, insurers, attorneys, case managers, and vocational consultants as applicable.
At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Mechanicsburg, PA, we have an FCE certified evaluator to perform the testing. Our certified evaluator uses scientifically developed methods to ensure accurate and objective results.At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Mechanicsburg, PA, we have an FCE certified evaluator to perform the testing. Our certified evaluator uses scientifically developed methods to ensure accurate and objective results.
Physical Therapy Functional Capacity Evaluations help ensure the workplace is a safe, pain-free environment.Benefits of Functional Capacity EvaluationsWhile FCEs have several benefits, the main focus is helping injured employees heal and return to work. The tests determine the level of participation for physical demands appropriate for the worker, reducing the risk of re-injury.
FCEs from FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Mechanicsburg, PA, document a detailed analysis essential to understanding your physical capabilities, developing a return-to-work plan, and identifying any issues associated with limitations impacting your abilities as you need to perform the tasks specific to your workplace and lifestyle.Objective Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) Documentation in Mechanicsburg, PAAn FCE determines when an injured worker is ready to return to their job safely when recovering from work-related injuries. The objective documentation of physical abilities includes appropriate recommendations for accommodations and modifications to the work environment to reduce the risk of re-injury and prevent others from being injured in the future.
FCE documentation is valuable for insurance claims, workers’ compensation cases, legal cases, and employer planning and communication. The objective documentation ensures all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the injury, physical condition, and capabilities.
FAQs Questions about Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)
What Is a Functional Assessment in Physical Therapy?
Functional Physical Therapy Assessments or Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) effectively and objectively document an individual’s functional status. The evaluation may be required to support a return-to-work plan after injury, justify discharge from physical therapy, or document care progress in a disability claim. Functional capacity assessments measure the individual’s ability to function and perform specific tasks safely and on a regular, dependable basis over a particular period, usually daily.
How Long Does the Functional Capacity Assessment Take?
Most of the time, your Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) will take 4 hours. But, how long the testing takes can vary depending on your occupation and type of injury or illness. Some testing even takes place over 2 consecutive days, measuring your ability to perform tasks for up to 8 hours each day. This helps the evaluator simulate your work environment to better measure your abilities and endurance, and accurately document any limitations.
What Should I Expect at My Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)?
Your certified FCE physical therapist evaluator will ask you to perform tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling. They will challenge your balance, fine motor skills, and your cardiovascular system’s tolerance for activity. Based on your body’s response to each specific activity, your capacity is determined based on the US Department of Labor’s Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT).
At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers in Mechanicsburg we have a team dedicated to helping you heal from a work-related injury as well as helping you prevent future injuries. If you need a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) or treatment for a work-related injury, give us a call at 717-591-3000 to schedule an appointment or get in touch with us.
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