- turningpointphysio@gmail.com
- 14925 111 Ave NW #202 Edmonton, AB, T5M 2P6
- (587) 412-1626
At Turning Point Physical Therapy, we believe in a personalized approach to rehabilitation.
Are you ready to uncover your true physical potential and pave the way for a successful recovery?
Let’s embark on this journey together with our Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE).
Is Functional Capacity Evaluation Right for You?
If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, our Functional Capacity Evaluation in Edmonton is the perfect start for you.
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a systematic process designed to assess an individual’s physical capabilities and functional abilities. This evaluation is crucial for individuals who are recovering from an injury or living with a chronic health condition.
FCE involves a series of standardized assessments that objectively measure an individual’s strength, endurance, physical demand capabilities, and tolerance to various functional activities. These activities often simulate work tasks or daily routines and are tailored to the individual’s specific needs. The evaluation provides a comprehensive understanding of what a person can safely do, either in a work setting or in daily life. It encompasses a variety of physical tests, such as lifting and carrying weights, walking, bending, and other task-specific activities.
The goal of FCE is to delineate an individual’s capacities and limitations, which is invaluable in guiding treatment plans, determining work readiness, or modifying job duties to accommodate any physical limitations.
Ready to prioritize your well-being? Schedule your appointment with Turning Point Physical Therapy now.
Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) plays a critical role in various scenarios, especially in the fields of healthcare, rehabilitation, and employment. Here are key situations where FCE becomes essential:
After an individual suffers a workplace injury or an accident that leads to physical limitations, an FCE is often necessary to assess their ability to return to their job or to perform specific tasks safely.
For individuals managing chronic health conditions that may impact their physical abilities, FCE helps in understanding how these conditions affect daily and work-related activities.
FCE is a crucial component in return-to-work programs, providing objective data that helps employers and employees make informed decisions about work capabilities, necessary accommodations, or modifications to the job.
An FCE provides the necessary evidence to demonstrate the level of physical impairment and its impact on the individual’s ability to work.
FCE aids in creating effective rehabilitation plans. By understanding the individual’s functional limitations and strengths, therapists can tailor rehabilitation programs for more efficient recovery.
Some employers require an FCE as part of pre-employment screening, especially for physically demanding jobs, to ensure that potential employees can safely perform job tasks.
In legal scenarios, such as personal injury lawsuits, FCEs provide objective and quantifiable data regarding an individual’s physical capacities, which can be critical in legal decision-making.
FCE can be used in ergonomic assessments to tailor workplace environments to the physical needs of employees, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall workplace safety.
For certain professions, particularly those involving safety-critical roles, FCE is used to ascertain whether an individual is fit to perform their duties effectively and safely.
When it comes to Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) claims, Functional Capacity Evaluation plays a pivotal role. For individuals who have suffered work-related injuries, FCE is often a required step in the process of filing a WCB claim.
The evaluation provides objective, quantifiable data regarding an individual’s ability to perform work-related tasks, which is essential in the context of WCB claims. This information can be used to determine the appropriate level of workers’ compensation, facilitate return-to-work programs, and ensure that any return to work is safe and sustainable.
At Turning Point Physical Therapy in Edmonton, we recognize the importance of FCE in the WCB claims process and offer specialized evaluations that cater to the specific needs of individuals navigating these claims. Our thorough and empathetic approach ensures that the FCE not only supports the WCB claim process but also contributes to the overall work injury rehabilitation and recovery strategy, helping individuals return to their work and daily life with confidence and safety.
The session begins with an interview where the therapist reviews your medical history, understands your current condition, and discusses any specific concerns or goals. Each FCE is tailored to the individual’s specific needs, job requirements, and health conditions. For instance, an FCE session for an individual preparing for a return to work after surgery is assessed and tested on the range of motion, strength, and specific job-related tasks.
Here’s a general overview of what an FCE session looks like and what participants are typically asked to do:
This is the core part of the FCE, where you engage in various functional tests. These may include:
The purpose is to assess your ability to perform specific physical activities that are relevant to your job or daily life.
Activities to evaluate your endurance, like treadmill walking or stationary cycling, might be included. This helps determine how long you can sustain various activities and at what intensity.
Throughout the session, you’ll be asked to report any pain or fatigue experienced during the activities. This helps understand how these factors impact your ability to perform tasks.
As you prepare for your Functional Capacity Evaluation, we encourage you to approach the session with honesty and a clear understanding of your physical limits. Overexerting yourself can lead to inaccurate results and potentially exacerbate your condition. Be truthful about what you can comfortably do and what causes discomfort or pain.
Rest Well: Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before the evaluation.
Stay Hydrated and Eat: Have a light, healthy meal and stay hydrated.
Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and appropriate footwear.
Medications: Take your regular medications unless advised otherwise.
Communicate Openly: Inform the evaluator about any pain, discomfort, or fatigue you experience during the tasks.
Pace Yourself: Remember, the goal is to assess your typical abilities, not to push beyond your limits.
Ready to start your Functional Capacity Evaluation with us? Contact us today and take the first step towards a safer, stronger, and more confident you!
At Turning Point Physical Therapy in Edmonton, we dedicate ourselves to your healing and recovery. Experience personalized physiotherapy tailored to your needs, integrating cutting-edge methods with compassionate attention. We are honoured to join you on your healing path.