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Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE)

At Farmington Physical Therapy, our Functional Capacity Evaluations are built around Worker’s Compensation, providing objective, work-focused testing that supports safe return-to-work decisions for injured workers and all Worker’s Compensation stakeholders.

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What Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)?

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) at Farmington Physical Therapy is a comprehensive, one-on-one assessment that measures an injured worker’s physical abilities and compares them to the demands of their job—especially within the context of a Worker’s Compensation claim.

Using standardized tests, real-world work tasks, and clinical observation, FPT therapists evaluate how safely and consistently a person can lift, carry, push, pull, reach, bend, and perform other job-related activities.

The result is an objective snapshot of current functional capacity—information that is essential for Worker’s Compensation decision-making, return-to-work planning, and case resolution.

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FCEs Designed for Worker’s Compensation

At Farmington Physical Therapy, our FCE program is built specifically around the needs of Worker’s Compensation cases. We focus on:

  • Safe return-to-work decisions – Clarifying whether an injured worker can return to full duty, modified duty, or needs additional rehabilitation.
  • Job-specific functional abilities – Matching test results to the actual physical requirements of the worker’s job.
  • Clear work restrictions – Outlining objective guidelines for lifting, posture, work positions, and task duration.
  • Communication with the whole team – Providing useful information for physicians, employers, case managers, adjusters, and attorneys when needed.

FPT’s goal is to support the injured worker while giving all parties the objective data they need to move Worker’s Compensation cases forward confidently.

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Who Benefits from an FCE?

Functional Capacity Evaluations performed at Farmington Physical Therapy are valuable for:

  • Injured workers
    Understand what you can safely do, what may still be limited, and what steps—often in partnership with FPT—can support your return to work.
  • Employers & HR
    Receive clear, functional information from Farmington Physical Therapy to help you identify appropriate duties, accommodations, and timelines.
  • Case managers & adjusters
    Gain objective, defensible data from FPT that supports case progression, claim resolution, and vocational planning.
  • Physicians & providers
    Use FCE findings from Farmington Physical Therapy to support medical decision-making, determine work capacity, and finalize restrictions.
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What an FCE Measures

During an FCE at Farmington Physical Therapy, we assess a wide range of work-related abilities, which may include:

  • Material handling: lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling
  • Standing, walking, sitting, and overall endurance
  • Bending, stooping, kneeling, squatting, and climbing
  • Overhead and repetitive reaching
  • Fine motor and hand function (gripping, handling, manipulating)
  • Balance, coordination, and movement quality
  • Symptom response and tolerance to sustained or repeated activities
  • Consistency of effort and reliability of reported symptoms

Whenever possible, FPT customizes testing to reflect the physical demands of the worker’s specific job or industry.

What to Expect During Your FCE

We design each FCE at Farmington Physical Therapy to be thorough, respectful, and clearly explained from start to finish.

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1

Warm Welcome & Intake

You’ll check in with our front office, then meet with your evaluating therapist at FPT. We’ll review your medical history, injury, job duties, and any current symptoms or concerns.
2

Interview & Baseline Screening

Your therapist will ask about your typical work tasks, previous treatments, and current limitations. We’ll perform a brief physical screening of movement, strength, and basic function to plan the rest of your testing safely.
3

Functional Testing & Work Simulation

Guided by your FPT therapist, you’ll move through a series of structured tasks that may include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, postural tolerances, and job-specific activities. Your safety is our top priority—testing is progressed gradually and monitored closely.
4

Monitoring Effort & Symptoms

Throughout the evaluation, Farmington Physical Therapy clinicians observe consistency of effort, body mechanics, heart rate response, and symptom changes. This helps ensure the results are accurate and reliable.
5

Review of Findings & Next Steps

Once testing is complete, Farmington Physical Therapy compiles the results into a clear, objective report. We share key findings with your referring provider and authorized Worker’s Compensation stakeholders. Recommendations may include return-to-work status, restrictions, or additional rehabilitation such as Work Hardening at FPT.
At Farmington Physical Therapy, your health is personal. Our team is here to help you move with confidence, recover with purpose, and live life to the fullest.

We begin with a comprehensive evaluation, develop a personalized plan, and walk with you every step of the way toward recovery.

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