What are the benefits of participating in a work hardening program?

A work hardening program is a personalized rehabilitation program for workers who have been injured. It combines body conditioning exercises, specialized training on job-specific techniques and injury prevention education. Participants also complete assessments and receive coaching to plan a safe return to work. These programs help workers build up their physical fitness and gain more awareness of their personal safety. People who participate in work hardening after an injury are less likely to be hurt again, and they can feel more confident in their physical abilities.

People who have physically demanding jobs and those who work in industries with high injury rates can benefit from work hardening. The industries with the most workplace injuries in 2023 included health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and accommodation and food services. That adds up to millions of injured employees each year. In total, private industry employers in the United States reported 2,368,900 workplace injuries in 2023.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about the top benefits of work hardening programs.

Key benefits of work hardening programs

The ultimate goal of work hardening is to return workers to their regular duty with minimal risk of reinjury. Our work hardening program at KC Rehab combines general conditioning and therapy exercises with material handling, postural tolerances and body mechanics education. It’s a group program with a positive, supportive atmosphere. While some activities are more group oriented, each person will set their own individual goals and receive a personalized training plan.

The following are seven key benefits of work hardening programs:

1. Safe, gradual return to work-specific tasks and duties — Training will begin with an evaluation of your current abilities, and the intensity gradually increases. You’ll have regular assessments throughout the process to track your progress and adjust your training plan.

2. Job-specific, personalized training plan — Your work hardening experience should be customized for your body, your injury and your occupation. This helps ensure that you get the most effective training to help you achieve the best outcomes. Your training facility might have some specialized equipment, or you might go to your workplace to practice specific activities using the skills you’ve learned.

3. Decreased risk of reinjury — Returning to work before you’ve made a full recovery can lead to reinjury. Work hardening programs help reduce your risk by conditioning your body and building your awareness of what proper technique should feel like. You’ll get to know your limits and learn about injury prevention techniques. You may also learn to use new ergonomic equipment to support your form.

4. Improved physical strength and endurance for job demands — After work hardening, you’ll feel more physically fit. You may not have as many aches and pains as you did before, and you might feel like you have a bit more energy throughout the day. Some of these effects are from the exercises themselves, and some are a result of your new knowledge and techniques.

5. Development of proper body mechanics and techniques — Poor form is a factor in many workplace injuries, including overuse injuries. In your conditioning, you’ll practice using proper form as you build up your strength. By the time you’re finished, you’ll have new muscle memory for better alignment and efficiency in your everyday tasks.

6. Psychological support and confidence building — Being injured on the job can shake your confidence and leave you feeling down. Motivation and moral support are important parts of the work hardening process. You’ll have the support you need to keep your spirits up during your training and make a confident return to work.

7. Better long-term outcomes compared to standard rehabilitation — Work hardening programs are more comprehensive and more customized for each individual than standard physical therapy. It will change the way you work for many more years of injury-free productivity.

Is work hardening at KC Rehab a good fit for you?

Our work hardening program is designed for people who have been off work or restricted from work for more than a few weeks. We work with people who have acute injuries and those who have chronic conditions. If you’re ready to make a gradual return to work, or if you’ve struggled to make the transition, our program may be a good fit for you. Sessions take place five days a week for about four hours each day. 

There are a few different ways to get your work hardening sessions covered. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance might cover the cost. Your health insurance may also cover these services. We accept all major insurance plans and we verify coverage with your insurance carrier before treatment. If you have to self-pay for treatment, we offer flexible payment options and are transparent about all costs.

Are you looking for a work hardening program right now? Let’s talk about your options. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.