Functional Capacity Evaluation
Do you have an injury that impacts your ability to return to your normal activities, including your job? Whether you were injured at the workplace or somewhere else, you may need to be released to return to work by a physician. A functional capacity evaluation, or FCE, is often requested by employers to ensure an employee is recovered from their injuries or as a diagnostic tool to determine the level of recovery. We offer FCEs at Medici Spine & Pain for patients who are recovering from injuries.
An FCE involves a wide variety of tests that are designed to evaluate the function and pain level while performing certain activities. The tests are physical in nature, determining both the actual performance and pain level of the patient while performing these activities. Some of the common tests that are performed include:
- Lifting
- Pushing/pulling
- Carrying
- Reach
- Balance
- Crouching/crawling
- Standing, walking, sitting
- Hand grasping and manipulation
These tests can show how well a patient can tolerate and perform different movements with objective measurements. It also is used to measure pain levels while performing these different activities after an injury.
Workplace Injury Testing
FCE is commonly used when a workplace injury occurs. This testing is often a requirement when returning to work or to determine the level of disability when receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Our facility is qualified to perform functional capacity evaluations for our patients when requested by their employer or insurance company.
At Medici Spine & Pain, we work with many patients who are recovering or going through rehabilitation from a workplace injury. We offer a full spectrum of diagnostic, treatment and evaluation options to help our patients through all stages of their recovery. If you need treatment for a workplace injury or have been instructed to undergo a functional capacity evaluation, contact us at one of our clinics in the greater Atlanta area to schedule an appointment.