Work conditioning that closes the gap to full duty
Intensive, job-simulated exercise for workers who have finished therapy but are not yet strong enough for the physical demands of their position.
- 2–4 hours a day, 3–5 days a week
- Built from your job description
- Typical program: 4–6 weeks
Who it is for
Work conditioning is the right step when
- Therapy goals are met but job demands are not
- The job requires medium, heavy, or very heavy work
- The worker has been off the job more than 8 weeks
- Endurance, not pain, is now the limiting factor
- A physician wants objective data before full release
- An FCE shows a gap between capacity and job demands
How the program works
From therapy discharge to a full shift
Program length is set at the evaluation and adjusted based on progress; 4–6 weeks is typical.
- Day 1
Evaluation
Baseline lifting, carrying, and positional tolerances measured against the physical demands of your job.
- Week 1
Program design
A daily circuit of strengthening, conditioning, and simulated job tasks; frequency and hours set with your physician.
- Weeks 1–4
Progressive loading
Weights, durations, and task complexity increase each week toward full job demand.
- Weekly
Progress reports
Measured tolerances sent to your physician, employer, and adjuster.
- Final week
Discharge testing
Job-demand re-test and a summary supporting release to full duty or defined restrictions.
What to expect
A workday, in the clinic
Work conditioning runs like a shift. You arrive at a set time, warm up, and move through a circuit of strengthening and job-simulation stations supervised by a therapist. Sessions are longer and more demanding than therapy, and that is the point.
Attendance and effort are tracked and reported, so show up ready to work.
Bring with you
- Photo ID and your claim or authorization
- Work boots and clothes you would wear on the job
- Any brace or support your physician requires
- Water and a snack
Good to know
- Sessions are scheduled at consistent times; treat them like a shift.
- Tell us the heaviest, most frequent tasks in your job so we can simulate them.
- Soreness is expected; sharp or new pain is not, so report it.
Why ICA
Why work conditioning at ICA
Continuity from therapy
The same therapy team carries the plan forward, so nothing is lost at the handoff.
Real job simulation
Stations are built from your job description, from lifting to ladders, so discharge means ready.
Objective data for release
Weekly measured tolerances give the physician what they need to write a confident full-duty release.
Work conditioning, answered
General information, not medical or legal advice.
How is this different from physical therapy?
Therapy treats the injury and restores motion and strength. Work conditioning builds the endurance and capacity to do a full shift of specific job tasks. It follows therapy and runs longer per session.
How long is the program?
Typically 4–6 weeks at 3–5 sessions a week, 2–4 hours each. Length is set at the evaluation and adjusted based on weekly progress.
What if I cannot reach full job demands?
The discharge report documents what you can safely do. Your physician uses it to set permanent restrictions or refer for an FCE.
Is it covered by workers’ compensation?
When ordered by the treating physician on an accepted claim, yes.
Can I work while in the program?
Often part-time or modified duty, depending on restrictions. Sessions are scheduled early or late so they fit around a partial shift.
What happens if I miss sessions?
Progress depends on frequency, so missed days extend the program. Attendance is reported weekly to your physician and adjuster.