IU Health Occupational Services provides physical and occupational therapy at seven convenient Indianapolis locations, our Lebanon clinic, and at our Muncie clinic. Our experienced therapy staff has advanced training in the rehabilitation of work-related injuries and illness. These licensed therapists collaborate face-to-face with our physicians on the best way to optimize a patient’s recovery. This unique approach of having physicians and rehabilitation staff in the same location offers an opportunity for unsurpassed communication. Ultimately, this leads to efficient advancement of rehabilitation programs and timely notice to physicians when patients have difficulty.

IUHOS's Rehabilitation Program Offers

• Superior communication with employers and insurance professionals.
• Open communication between rehab staff and physicians to promote early return to work.
• Job and injury-specific rehabilitation

On-site Body Mechanics Training

Our professional rehabilitation staff visits the injured workers’ job site to assess factors contributing to the injury. Identifying the symptoms affecting recovery such as body mechanics and/or work methods has a tremendous impact on focusing rehabilitation to promote early return to work full duty with more efficient work habits. the job-specific instructions and education the worker receives at his job site are invaluable and help prevent future injuries.

Functional Reconditioning

Functional reconditioning is a graded exercise and work simulation program designed specifically for each patient to prepare him/her to return to work. This program is utilized primarily for patients with heavier physical demands and/or extended periods off of work due to the nature of their injuries. Functional reconditioning is typically scheduled for three to five days per week and up to four hours per day if needed. Functional reconditioning addresses muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, neuromuscular re-education/coordination and job-specific work simulation.

Functional Capacity Evaluation

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a standardized evaluation that assesses a patient’s safe, maximum physical limitations for performing work. A FCE is not necessary in all cases, but for patients with more severe injuries, extended periods of time out of work, or very physically demanding jobs, the FCE is an excellent option to bring a case to closure with objective results. We offer the only tool that has been found to be both valid and reliable.

Areas of testing include:

• Dynamic Strength – lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling
• Position Tolerance – sitting, standing, overhead work, stooping, kneeling, squatting
• Mobility – walking, crawling, ladder climbing, twisting, repetitive squatting, stairs
• Balance
• Endurance

In addition, fine motor skills may be assessed if needed. More specific job tasks may be evaluated, such as driving simulation, shoveling, patient care tasks, and others if appropriate. A FCE typically lasts four to six hours, and is completed at our Back to Work Center by a certified evaluator. In most cases, the results are available the same day. If you have questions about the MOCHI FCE process please contact Jamie Shellenberger or (317) 216-2434.

Active Release Techniques

Actives Release Techniques (ART) Soft-Tissue Management System was developed by Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP; to specifically treat and resolve the symptoms and dysfunction associated with the Cumulative Injury Cycle. ART is a hands-on manual therapy technique that restores normal motion to soft tissues, releases entrapped nerves, vasculature and lymphatics, and re-establishes point therapy, Rolfing, neuromuscular massage or sports massage. Properly applying ART to dysfunctional tissues results in a reduction in adhesions, fibrosis and scar tissue in the affected tissues. Immediate improvement in function often follows this unique treatment method.

For more information regarding IU Health Occupational Services’ rehabilitation program please contact Linda Gregor, PT, MBA or call her at (317) 216-2840.