The Back to Work Center at 50 Gold Star Boulevard, Worcester was developed as an extension of Reliant Medical Group’s Rehabilitative Services department. The goal is to provide a single source location to manage the varied needs of the work-injured individual. Our staff includes physical and occupational therapists and assistants, as well as office support personnel. Each of our staff members has received extensive training to meet the specific needs of our patients to help facilitate a quick, safe return to maximum function in the work environment.

The Back to Work Center provides:

• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Work Injury Prevention Programs
• Ergonomic Workstation Assessments
• Functional Capacity Evaluations
• Pre-Employment/Post Offer Physical Assessments

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is the field of medical care that utilizes exercise and physical agents such as heat and cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and massage to treat a wide variety of work-related injuries and physical disabilities. Some of the objectives of physical therapy are the relief of pain caused by injury or surgery; the improvement of strength and mobility; and the improvement of functional activities such as lifting, pushing, pulling, standing, etc., in patients who are recovering from work-related injuries or chronic musculoskeletal problems.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy involves evaluation and treatment of work related injuries of the upper extremity and hand – including strains, sprains, tendonitis, cumulative trauma disorders and orthopedic conditions. Treatment may involve splinting, the use of physical agents, adaptation of equipment used in the workplace and exercise programs. The BTE Work Simulator and the Greenleaf Hand/Upper Extremity Evaluation System, computerized treatment and evaluation tools, are also offered services.

Work Injury Prevention Programs

The Back to Work Center offers both in-house and on-site back education programs and work injury prevention programs to provide knowledge of basic back anatomy, lifting techniques, body mechanics, ergonomics, causes of back injuries, back injury prevention techniques, and home exercise programs. Educational in-service as well as programs for upper extremity cumulative trauma and work related injuries are also available.

Ergonomic Workstation Assessments

To better help employers deal with ergonomic issues, the Lincoln Street Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Department offers onsite ergonomic workstation assessments that can be requested by medical personnel, supervisors/managers and individual employees.

The evaluation consists of:

• Contact with the supervisor explaining expectations and classification of time/date of assessment.
• Discussion with the employee about job duties and physical concerns.
• Observation of the employee performing primary job duties.
• Physical modifications based on observations.
• Follow-up written report outlining the process and ergonomic recommendations.

Functional Capacity Evaluations

To determine whether employees can perform work, we offer Functional Capacity Evaluations. The 4-hour standardized evaluation determines the client’s tolerance for an 8-hour workday. This assessment also provides an overall level of work based on the Dictionary of Occupational Titles as well as information from job descriptions. This test is a valid and reliable method of categorizing the client’s overall safe limitations for performing work.

Pre-Employment/Post Offer Physical Assessments

We offer Pre-employment/Post Offer Physical Performance Assessments. These individualized functional tests are company designed and administered by our staff either at the Lincoln Street Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Department or on-site.