Work Related Activity Programs are the new Work Cover (SIRA) classification to encompass the previously termed Work Conditioning, Strength and Conditioning, and Functional Restoration Programs. These are appropriate for workers compensation and third party clients that are not progressing as expected or
Activity based programs can be run in a variety of settings depending on the individual needs of the patient. PhysioFit runs programs at a location convenient to the patient. We service the Sydney and Greater Sydney region.
Clients being referred for a work related activity program or strength and conditioning program need to firstly undergo an initial assessment to determine the clients current status in terms of functional tolerances (with an emphasis on work duties), fitness level, muscle function, strength, flexibility as well as the clients main problems/areas of weakness and the irritability of the condition. We will request this from the insurers and contact you once the assessment has been completed or if the assessment has been declined.
Initial Assessment includes obtaining information on:
- Injury history and progression.
- Physical condition – full musculoskeletal assessment including muscle flexibility, stabilizing capacity, strength, and muscular co-ordination, cardiovascular fitness / activity tolerance test.
- Functional tolerances particularly work relevant tasks.
- Psychosocial screening ‘YELLOW FLAGS’ (beliefs, fears, mood, delayed RTW, slow progress etc).
- Behaviour (coping strategies, avoidance, overdoing things, aides (ie back brace), medications etc).
- Environment factors: including at work, home etc.
- Providers of care – medical, family, insurer.
- Treatment strategies used and their effect.
- Barriers/obstacles to progress.
- Specific information on tasks at work including latest RTW plan and goal.
Work Related Activity Program Content.
It is our aim to work within the SIRA clinical framework for the delivery of health services when treating people injured in motor vehicle accidents or workplace incidents.
The five principles of the clinical framework ensure delivery of the right care at the right time. They are:
- measure and demonstrate the effectiveness of treatment.
- adopt a biopsychosocial approach.
- empower the injured person to manage their injury.
- implement goals focused on optimising function, participation and return to work.
- base treatment on the best available research evidence.
All activity-improvement programs are, wherever possible, evidenced based and at the least are based on best practice.
Programs are:
- Linked to the assessment findings and workplace rehabilitation goals / tasks.
- Functional with ‘Return to Work’ goals.
Programs include:
- Structured use of ADLs to upgrade return to work / Suitable duties / Life.
- Cognitive behavioural elements based on psychosocial assessment, with reinforcement of progress, self-monitoring, reassurance, and pain management.
- Exercises that are linked to RTW goal in injured workers RTW plan.
- An intensive graduated exercise program linked to the assessment findings and RTW goal, including specific stabilization exercises, muscle coordination and movement re-training, aerobic capacity, muscle strength and endurance.
- Education on self help, correct manual handling strategies, posture and any other issue relevant to assisting in a return to or upgrade of work or to assist in keeping someone at work.
- Progression towards independence is a high priority as such all effort is made to ensure that activities and education can be carried out with minimal reliance on people and places outside their normal lifestyle.
- Regular liaising with all parties participating in the care of the client to ensure common goals and consistency of care. It is not uncommon for us to be not only talking with the doctor but also the psychiatrist, psychologist, rehabilitation provider, insurance company and workplace.
- For the more complicated, at risk injured worker / person, a more in depth multidisciplinary team approach can be provided where we will work with psychologists/ psychiatrists, occupational therapists etc to provide the level of care required to maximize a return to life/ work and function.
Programs can be run:
- In a gymnasium close to the patients’ home or work.
- In the workers home.
- In the clinic.
- Or a combination of the above.
Program Cost
All costs are based on Workcover Schedule of Fees for Work Related Activity Programs for accredited physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. When deciding on a relevant program, cost effectiveness is always considered.