An assessment that is performed after an employee has been given a contingent job offer. The assessment focuses on determining whether an individual is physically capable of performing his/her specific job and minimize the risk of injury.
Our programs educate employees and management to recognize musculoskeletal risks and how to address/eliminate those risk factors, including education programs designed specifically for an employer’s individual needs (ie. Stretch program, ergonomics, proper lifting).
Objective study of how an employee works and their work environment. An ergonomic assessment helps to identify the ergonomic risks such as repetitive tasks that can cause strains, improper work area setup, and improper use of tools, which can result in the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
A program designed to help improve the employee’s health by focusing on early detection and alleviating the first signs of musculoskeletal discomforts. Based on OSHA guidelines, the ESI program uses ice, heat, massage, non-rigid support, and education to address conditions, including but not limited to sprains and strains, muscle tightness, soreness and fatigue. ESI can be provided at one of our clinics or on-site with an employer.
Clinic based physical and occupational therapy. We provide one-on-one care where the program is designed for each individual injured worker. The program is based on physical demands and the essential functions of the injured worker’s job.
An intensive, work-related, goal-oriented conditioning program designed specifically to restore systemic neuro-musculoskeletal functions, muscle performance, motor function, range of motion, and cardiovascular/pulmonary functions.
A highly structured, goal-oriented, individualized intervention program designed to return the patient/client to work.
An objective and comprehensive assessment of an individual’s physical and functional abilities, typically related to their ability to participate in their employment.
Ergonomics is the process of fitting a workplace to the needs of the worker, rather than the other way around. The goal of ergonomics is to increase efficiency and productivity by reducing workers’ physical discomfort. This could involve aspects of your workday that may seem relatively minor, like eye strain, desk height, and wrist angle while typing.
Many jobs require their workers to lead sedentary lifestyles from 9-5, and that’s not ideal for your health. Ergonomics is concerned with introducing movement to your workday, striking a balance between sitting and standing, and getting the blood flowing.
Most workplace injuries are not due to slips, falls or accidents. The most common workplace injuries are strains and sprains which occur through overuse of certain muscles.
For individuals comprehensive programs are designed to help, or prevent, an injury as well as assist with your return to work after an injury.
For corporations, Professional’s workplace solutions may be able to help you reduce workers’ compensation premiums and claims. Learn about our work station assessments, functional capacity evaluations and reconditioning/work hardening programs.
Sometimes completing rehabilitation after an injury just isn’t enough. Before your employees return to work, you should be able to gauge their ability to function in a workplace setting at the same capacity as before the injury.
Professional’s Re-conditioning/Work Hardening Program is custom-designed based on OSHA job protocols and/or company-specific job descriptions, preparing your employees to perform their job duties more efficiently.
Programs may include, but are not limited to:
These components, performed under the care of one of our certified allied healthcare professionals, will help the de-conditioned employee acclimate to work quicker, while learning how to prevent further injury.
At Professional, we are able to offer a full complement of tests to assess each injured person’s ability to Return to Work.
These tests include:
More and more, companies are going to great lengths to improve the ergonomics of their offices. This includes adding standing desks, so workers don’t have to sit all day, swapping out traditional chairs for exercise balls, so people can engage their core while they work, adding mouse pads with wrist rests to prevent wrist strain, and much more.
With approximately $1 out of every $3 in workers’ compensation costs attributed to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), paying attention to good ergonomics can potentially save your company a lot of money. Employees notice when their company is investing in their health and safety, and a thoughtful approach to ergonomics demonstrates your company’s commitment to safety and health as a core value.
Whether you’re an individual looking to minimize your discomfort at work, or a company looking to improve the ergonomics of your workspace, we’ve got you covered.
When your musculoskeletal system is affected by these movements or conditions, you may begin to develop symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and discomfort.
As a participant in Professional’s ergonomic assessment, you will be evaluated and guided by one of our certified allied health professionals, who will prepare you to effectively and efficiently perform your daily tasks and job functions in a safe and healthy manner.
Our highly trained and certified allied healthcare professionals can offer your employees an Ergonomic Work Station Assessment that will not only reduce workplace injuries, but increase employee productivity as well.
Here’s what you can expect:
Early Symptom Intervention, ESI, is a program designed to help improve the employee’s health by focusing on alleviating the first signs of musculoskeletal discomforts. Based on OSHA guidelines, the ESI program uses ice, heat, massage, non-rigid support, and education to address conditions, including but not limited to sprains and strains, muscle tightness, soreness and fatigue.
Contact Colleen Medlin at cmedlin@professionalpt.com
Colleen Medlin, PT, DPT, CEAS received her Bachelor of Health Science, Master’s in Physical Therapy, and Doctorate in Physical
Therapy degrees from Misericordia University. She had multiple experiences as a successful Facility Director prior to assuming a Multi-Site Director role in Maryland while with Physiotherapy Associates.
During Colleen’s clinical and operations career trajectory, she became certified to perform Functional Capacity Evaluations, a Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist, and honed her academic focus on workers’ compensation and work rehabilitation. As Colleen performed these services and built relationships with referrals sources and payors, she became recognized as a leader in this field and transitioned to a role of Regional Workers’ Compensation Clinical Specialist with Physiotherapy Associates. Based on multiple requests for her expertise, Colleen also founded CAM Peer Review, LLC to perform utilization review of Physical Therapy treatment, medical necessity, and billing.
Colleen assumed the role of Regional Director of Work Strategies after Physiotherapy Associates was acquired by Select Medical and increased her focus on payor relations, including managing the relationships with the various networks in the industry.
She was then hired by Phoenix Rehabilitation as Director of Clinical Operations for Workplace Health and Workers’ Compensation. This expanded her knowledge into occupational medicine and expanding her focus on working with employers and reducing OSHA recordables.
Colleen now works as the Director of Workers’ Compensation Clinical Services for Professional PT. Her focus is on providing a
comprehensive workers’ compensation program clinically, to meet the needs of the employer, physician, case manager, and insurance company. She also works with employers to help evaluate and manage their injuries and safety in the work place.
