What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

Published on: May 1, 2015

If you are injured or have a medical condition that impairs your ability to do your job, you may need to have an evaluation to determine when you can return to work. A Functional Capacity Evaluation or exam is a set of tests that are designed to evaluate your physical condition. These are a comprehensive set of exercises and movements that measure your ability to perform tasks that would be expected in a work environment.

Uses of Functional Capacity Evaluation

Although Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) can be used for a variety of reasons, most commonly they are needed when a person has been injured. The exam is often required to determine if they are able to return to work and what limitations they may have. Whether they were injured on the job or outside of the workplace in an auto crash or other accident, they may need to be cleared to return to their job.

Typically a FCE is given by rehabilitation experts that have the knowledge and experience to evaluate levels of physical ability. These tests can take 3-4 hours or more, gauging many different aspects of the injured person’s movements and strength. The results can be used to get clearance to return to work or can identify levels of disability.

If you are recovering from a condition that has affected your ability to work, you may need to have a Functional Capacity Evaluation before you are allowed to return to your job. This can include testing your strength, pace, endurance and efficiency, meant to determine whether you are able to safely return to doing certain types of work. If you need a FCE, call your local physical therapy or rehabilitation clinic to inquire about scheduling an exam.

Posted on behalf of:
Sovereign Rehabilitation
5555 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Northeast #225
Atlanta, GA 30342
(404) 835-3340

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