Work Hardening and Conditioning is useful in managing long term worker's compensation injuries. The purpose of this program is to assist in transitioning an injured worker back to work through work simulation, conditioning exercises and endurance training. The key to a successful program is frequent communication between the therapist, employer and case manager. This facilitates a successful return to work and accelerates Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

Program length is typically two weeks at 2-4 hours per day. This may vary depending on the physician's order, results of the initial evaluation and the worker's motivational level.

Benefits are as follows:

• Increases worker's strength, endurance and flexibility
• Keeps the worker in a working environment
• Decreases the chance of the worker settling into a "stay at home" mind set
• Decreases the expense of Temporary Total Disability costs through faster return to work
• Provides useful documentation when lack of motivation exists