WORK HARDENING/WORK CONDITIONING

Work Hardening is a rehabilitation program designed to restore functional and work capacities to the injured worker through application of a graded work simulation. Included are activities designed to improve overall physical condition, including strength, endurance, and coordination specific to work activity, as well as means for coping with any remaining symptoms from the original injury, such as pain. Central to all work hardening programs is the reproduction of a work-like environment where tasks are designed to improve the patient’s tolerance for productive work.