When an injured worker reaches a point in their recovery where next steps need to be clearly defined—return to work, modified duty, or further treatment—objective data becomes essential. That’s where Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) comes in.
At Comp Rx Physical Therapy, we provide FCEs designed to answer the key questions case managers, physicians, and adjusters face:
Is this person ready to return to work? At what level? And is additional care or accommodation needed?
What is an FCE?
A Functional Capacity Evaluation is a standardized, objective assessment that measures an individual’s ability to perform work-related tasks. It typically lasts three to four hours and includes physical testing that reflects real-world job demands such as:
- Lifting (floor to waist, waist to shoulder, shoulder to overhead)
- Carrying
- Pushing and pulling
- Standing, walking, squatting, and crawling
- Postural tolerances (sitting, standing, stooping)
- Grip strength and hand coordination
- Reaching
- Job simulation
Who Needs an FCE?
FCEs are especially useful for:
- Injured workers nearing the end of therapy with unclear work status
- Determining readiness to return to work or the need for modified duty
- Supporting disability or legal decisions
- Establishing a baseline before initiating Work Conditioning/Work Hardening
Why Referral Sources Trust Us
At Comp Rx PT, we understand that a high-quality FCE goes beyond numbers. Our evaluations are conducted by a licensed physical therapist certified in Functional Capacity Evaluations, ensuring each assessment is both clinically sound and defensible.
We don’t just record data. We evaluate safety, quality of movement, effort, and reliability throughout the testing process. This approach allows us to provide a comprehensive picture of the patient’s current abilities and limitations.
Each assessment includes:
- Detailed documentation aligned with job demands
- Behavioral and functional observations, including consistency of effort and pain behaviors
- Clinically informed judgments about the patient’s movement quality and tolerance
- Clear, actionable recommendations for next steps
- Prompt report turnaround, typically within 48 hours
We make a point to correlate findings with job descriptions and provide meaningful insights to support your decision-making.
What Happens Next?
Depending on the results, the next step may include:
- Return to work (full or restricted duty)
- Recommendations to enroll in a work conditioning/hardening program
- Further evaluation or treatment as recommended by the physician
We’re also available to discuss the findings with case managers or adjusters to ensure alignment across the care team.
How to Refer
To refer a patient for a Function Capacity Evaluation:
- Fax the physician order and any relevant job description or clinical notes to 703-657-5582
- For questions or to discuss a case, call us at 703 – 562-0065
We’ll handle the rest and keep you informed throughout the process.