Functional Capacity Evaluation

The Functional Capacity Evaluation is an internationally accepted tool in determining suitability for return to work as well as impairment rating for those who are unable to return to their pre-morbid occupation. Recovery from an injury necessitates an appropriate period of rest and treatment. When the symptoms subside, or when the person has reached a state of maximal medical improvement, proper attention must be directed to the injured person’s ability and capacity of returning to his pre-morbid vocation and activities of daily living. Utilizing objective and well-researched methodology, a Functional Capacity Evaluation, which may take up to 5 hours to perform, is very useful in helping the therapist determine with confidence the actual functional abilities of the injured person. The result is an objective and scientific evaluation as to whether the injured person can return to work safely or whether modifications in his or her work routine are necessary.

The assessment includes the following aspects:

1. Functional assessment: Assessing the patient's physical function, such as muscle strength, joint mobility, balance ability, etc., to determine whether the patient has the ability to perform specific job tasks.
2. Activity capacity assessment: Assessing the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living, such as walking, climbing stairs, dressing, carrying heavy objects, etc., to determine whether the patient has the ability to live independently and work.
3. Vocational capacity assessment: Assessing the patient's vocational skills and abilities to determine whether the patient has the ability to return to specific job positions.