What to Expect During a Functional Capacity Evaluation

Completing a functional capacity evaluation is critical when recovering from an injury. Without one, you may return to work before you’re physically fit. Plus, it can aid in recovering worker’s compensation and disability benefits.  

In this post, we’ll discuss what a functional capacity exam is and who may need one. Then, we’ll explain what to expect during one. Let’s get started! 

What Are Functional Capacity Evaluations 

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a medical assessment to gauge people’s physical abilities. Physicians and physical therapists administer them to injured people to determine if their condition prevents them from working.  

As such, these assessments typically include a series of tests and observations to evaluate their physical fitness for a particular job. The goal of the FCE is to ensure people are fully recovered before returning to work. Moreover, the results can support a claim for worker’s compensation or disability benefits. 

What to Expect During a Functional Capacity Assessment 

During the test, your physician will monitor and record movements and observations. The exact tests performed and the duration of the exam are subject to the person’s injuries and job-related duties. Nonetheless, during an evaluation, a doctor might assess a variety of areas, including: 

• Stamina and fatigue 
• Physical strength 
• Balance 
• Flexibility 
• Range of motion 
• Positional tolerance, such as kneeling, squatting, sitting, and standing 
• The ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects 

Your doctor will tailor a custom test based on your needs and tell you what to expect during the assessment beforehand. Sometimes it takes one day. In other instances, it may be scheduled over multiple days to examine how your abilities decrease with sustained activity and strain.  

Schedule a Functional Capacity Test 

Ensuring employees are fit to return to work is critical after an injury or illness. Otherwise, they may pose a risk to themselves and coworkers. That’s why performing an FCE after a work-related injury is important. 

The team at MMI will provide a safe and fair assessment of your recovery and help you determine when it’s ready to return to work. Make an appointment for your functional capacity evaluation today!