Functional Capacity Evaluation at John Goetze Physical Therapy

After an injury, it is important to know if your body is ready for the level of work that your job will require.  John Goetze Physical Therapy offers Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) for patients that have been injured. A FCE might be required by an attorney, workers compensation, or the employer; however, an evaluation may be necessary for unemployed patients, such as a stay-at-home mom.  The evaluation involves a series of tests that evaluate your physical abilities as it relates to your job or daily physical demands.

John Goetze Functional Capacity Evaluation What does a Functional Capacity Evaluation Involve? 

After an initial interview and records review, a qualified therapist will evaluation the following:

  • Stamina
  • Weight bearing limitations
  • The ability to lift
  • The limit of weight to lift
  • Physical strength
  • Lack of vertigo
  • The ability to sit or stand for lengths of time
  • Hand and eye coordination

These evaluations are conducted by activities such as pushing, pulling, carrying objects, balancing, using a walker, hand-grasping, measuring endurance, pain monitoring, etc.  The evaluations are safe and conducted by highly qualified staff.

Why Should You Get a FCE?

It is important to know whether or not your body is ready to return to the activities performed prior to the injury or trauma. This will help prevent additional injuries or worsening of symptoms.  If you are applying for Social Security Disability, a FCE will be required.  Additionally, this evaluation will equip you with the tools needed to continue your journey to healing.  The therapist will provide exercises and suggestions for any symptoms you are still experiencing.