Interdisciplinary Treatment Programs

INTERDISCIPLINARY TREATMENT PROGRAMS

Work Hardening Program:

WERC offers a ½ day work hardening program for those individuals who are functionally limited and exhibit mild to moderate psychosocial barriers to recovery.  These patients are having difficulty returning to work or home tasks at their pre-injury level. The program is generally two to four weeks long, and varies according to individual needs.  The length of the program is determined by the rehabilitation team in collaboration with the patient, and depends on the patient's goals, progress, and general commitment to the program.

Individuals in the program participate in 60 to 90 minutes of physical therapy and occupational therapy every day.  Additionally, four educational sessions are offered in the Work Hardening Program.  The pain management support group is held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM.  Thirty-minute individual sessions with the pain management counselor are scheduled once a week, and can overlap or occur outside the regular program schedule.  Participants receive biofeedback training once a week for three weeks. They also participate in two relaxation sessions each week and receive informational instruction as to its benefits.

Functional Restoration Program:

The Functional Restoration Program at the Work Enhancement and Rehabilitation Center is designed for individuals with significant limitations who exhibit severe psychosocial barriers to recovery. This population is unable to work and/or perform desired activities despite treatments such as physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, massage, modalities, injections, surgeries etc.

Treatment is provided by a close knit team of Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Psychologists/Counselors, and a Nurse.  All services are provided on one site and participants who commute from long distances may stay overnight at a local hotel. Staff work with participants to help them identify realistic work-related, domestic and recreational goals. Treatment plans are developed to progress the participants along a safe training program towards achieving their goals.

The Functional Restoration Program runs from 8:00 am-5:00 pm Monday through Friday. The program lasts 15 days and may include an additional transition phase ranging from 0-5 days spread out over 0-3 weeks. The program includes 4.5-5.5 hours of daily vigorous physical activity.  Daily pain management support group, individual counseling 2x/week and biofeedback training 2x/week. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing and psychology teach daily 1-hour didactic classes. Topics covered include anatomy, body mechanics, acute pain management, medications, nutrition, work related issues, principles of functional restoration, and management of chronic pain, impairment ratings and medical end results can be completed upon request.