The BarnesCare rehabilitation program is designed to help injured workers restore their maximum level of physical performance and return to work with minimal time lost. BarnesCare's physical and occupational therapy specialists are experts in preventing re-injury and increasing overall productivity.
The BarnesCare rehabilitation team practices evidence-based therapy by utilizing techniques such as the Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment (BTE) Simulator II. The BTE is a computer-controlled resistance mechanism that duplicates nearly any work task imaginable. It provides work simulation, strength and endurance evaluations, and treatments for upper extremity and back injuries. The BTE objectively documents treatment progress and evaluation data -- providing immediate feedback of progress results as they occur.
At BarnesCare each patient undergoes a detailed musculoskeletal evaluation and a customized, goal-oriented treatment program that is developed to meet individual needs. Patient education is central to our approach. Most therapy plans include home exercise programs that are issued on initial visit. Evidence proves that patients recover more quickly when they understand the nature of the injury, its causes, the importance of therapy and exercise and techniques to help avoid re-injury.
Physical Therapy
The BarnesCare Physical Therapy Program focuses on developing a comprehensive treatment plan to rehabilitate the injured worker for a healthy return to work. BarnesCare physical therapists are prepared to treat common injuries sustained in the workplace, but also difficult post-surgical cases such as ACL reconstructions, rotator cuff repairs, disc repairs and spinal stabilizations.
Hand Therapy
Led by a board-certified hand therapist, BarnesCare's hand therapy program treats acute injuries to the hand, such as carpal tunnel release, nerve entrapment, fractures and tendon repairs.
Going beyond conventional treatment, BarnesCare hand therapists also determine the source of the injury, help identify ways to prevent re-injury, and recommend "hand-safe" methods of completing required job and daily living tasks.
Work Hardening
The BarnesCare work hardening program ensures that the injured worker can perform in a safe and productive manner upon return to work. The BarnesCare work hardening experts use detailed job simulation, conditioning exercises and patient education to help maximize function and work tolerance.
BarnesCare's work hardening program addresses a variety of work-related rehabilitation issues including:
- strength, endurance and position tolerances
- psychological adjustment, pain tolerance and work behaviors as they impact job performance
- techniques to avoid re-injury
- modification and accommodation skills for reintegrate into their job
- compensatory work skills for placement in an alternate position
Work Conditioning
BarnesCare's Work Conditioning Program emphasizes returning injured employees to work as quickly as possible while keeping them physically fit.
Therapists may work with the injured worker two to three times per week to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance and work task tolerances.
Functional Capacity Evaluation
The BarnesCare Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) provides objective information to determine an individual's physical abilities and/or the status of their occupational disability.
The FCE is an extensive evaluation that includes measurement of strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, cardiovascular condition and body mechanics.
FCE results are summarized with specific recommendations regarding the patient's level of functionality including ability to perform on the job and/or return to work.