WorkSTEPS Specialist

What is WorkSTEPS?

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is a WorkSTEPS provider, carrying out work hardening programs to prepare you for a return to work.

Work hardening is a treatment program that is similar to work conditioning but focuses more on strengthening certain body parts and reaching your optimum physical performance for the duties of your job. 

Work hardening comes after work conditioning, as it focuses on enhancing a body part that has already undergone conditioning.

If you’ve sustained an injury at work, a work hardening program is typically the last part of the treatment program that you complete before returning to work. 

The main focus of work hardening is to get you into peak physical shape for performing your job, so you can return with a much lower risk of sustaining an additional injury.

What does work hardening do?

When you participate in a work hardening program at Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy, you’re asked to simulate primary job functions within the clinic while being supervised by your physical therapist.

For example, if you sustained a back injury from lifting heavy objects, you may be asked to lift weights while using proper form and technique (which would have been taught to you during your earlier conditioning session by your physical therapist).

You also learn how to do certain exercises to strengthen the legs and core, in order to make sure that you are in the best shape possible for performing your work with minimal risk of injury.

Work hardening may be done in a group setting or independently with a physical therapist. Work hardening treatment programs are an ideal way for you to perform your job without fear or likelihood of sustaining a work-related injury.

How will work hardening benefit me?

Work hardening is an individualized intervention program, meaning that your physical therapist designs your tasks around your specific requirements for returning to work. 

The program is based on the nature of your condition, your medical history, the physical demands of your job, and your level of recovery.

These programs are highly structured and goal-oriented, focusing around the exercises and activities necessary for preparing your body to return to work. 

Work hardening programs are typically multidisciplinary, focusing on multiple different aspects of improving physical function. This generally includes a focus on balance, posture, flexibility, strength, mobility, and overall function.

Make sure you return to work with confidence that you can perform your job efficiently, free from pain or injury. Call Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy today, or book an appointment online.