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Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE)

A Functional Capacity Evaluation Test (FCE) is a three to four-hour testing process that provides a snapshot of what a person can do at the time. It looks at things like flexibility, strength, endurance, dynamic material handling, repetitive activities and consistency of effort. Basically, it assesses a person’s capability to carry out tasks so the person’s abilities can be matched to job demands.

Importance of Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE)

  • They provide objective, detailed information about an individual’s physical capabilities, and/or workplace injures & illnesses
  • They can determine when a worker is able to return to work after an injury
  • They can determine whether a worker will be able to perform their duties at full capacity or if they will need to work in a reduced capacity (i.e. with limitations)
  • They can help prevent re-injury or additional workplace injuries

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE) Assessment

The components of the FCE will vary based on the purpose of the assessment. The FCE typically begins with a client interview, medical record review, and musculoskeletal screening. Functional testing may include graded material-handling activities such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling; and positional tolerance activities such as sitting, standing, walking, balancing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, object handling/manipulation, fingering, hand grasping, and hand manipulation. Pain monitoring is frequently performed during the FCE to document client-reported levels of pain during various activities as well as to manage pain. The FCE may also include evaluation of an individual’s hand dexterity, hand coordination, endurance, and other job-specific functions.

Why choose us?

When you choose for your care needs, you are choosing a team dedicated to providing the support and healing needed to get you back to your best. Our therapists will develop a personalized treatment plan unique to your needs leveraged through leading, outcomes-driven techniques intended to improve movement and overall function goals.

About our team

Our physical therapists are specialty trained in a range of specialties. We will also work collaboratively with your support network - from primary doctors to collegiate athletic trainers - to help you safely return to your day-to-day while optimizing performance and preventing re-injury. We treat patients of all ages and we pride ourselves on ease of access, convenience, quality of care, and a positive family-friendly environment.

At physical therapy appointments, we encourage patients to wear comfortable clothing that enable free-movement and that allows the therapist access to the injured body part. Most patients wear athletic clothes to the appointments.

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