When an employee is set to return to work after an injury, employers and insurers both need to be certain the worker is actually ready. Returning too soon could pose a safety risk to themselves and others. A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) helps determine if the employee is ready and capable of returning to work.
A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a common tool in the return-to-work process. It helps answer important questions about safety, readiness, and ability—both for the person recovering and the team supporting them. Whether you’re an employee, employer, or case manager, an FCE offers a clear, objective look at physical capabilities after an injury.
At PT Solutions, we offer this service with a focus on clarity, safety, and actionable outcomes. Whether requested by an insurance provider, attorney, or an employer directly, PT Solutions can provide an FCE to help assess an employee’s safe working ability. Our physical therapists use their knowledge and expertise in the musculoskeletal system to guide the employee through a series of tests and activities to help determine if an employee can return to work and in what capacity.
An FCE is always tailored to an employee’s specific injury or job duties. The testing will measure physical strength, intolerances related to posture, balance, range of motion, level of fatigue, and more. The exams performed are used to evaluate their abilities in key areas, such as:
An FCE is always tailored to an employee’s specific injury or job duties. The testing will measure physical strength, intolerances related to posture, balance, range of motion, level of fatigue, and more. The exams performed are used to evaluate their abilities in key areas, such as:
Therapy plays a key role in the recovery process after your evaluation. Explore how physical and occupational therapy can help you restore function and move toward a safe return to work.
A Functional Capacity Evaluation gives you and your care team the information you need to make confident, informed decisions about your recovery and your return to work.
A Functional Capacity Evaluation gives you and your care team the information you need to make confident, informed decisions about your recovery and your return to work.