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Work Hardening

Restore work-related strength, endurance, and confidence—so you can return to the job safely.

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Call (603) 839-1034

What Is Work Hardening?

Work Hardening is a progressive rehabilitation program designed to restore job-specific function after an injury. Using task-based training and work simulation, your therapist helps you rebuild the strength, mobility, and tolerance required for your role—while emphasizing safe body mechanics and injury prevention.

  • Rebuild lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling capacity
  • Improve stamina for full shifts (standing, walking, repetitive work)
  • Restore movement quality for bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, and reaching
  • Practice job-simulated tasks in a controlled environment
  • Track measurable progress to support return-to-work readiness

At Farmington Physical Therapy, we tailor each plan to your job demands and recovery goals, helping you return to work with less risk of reinjury—and more confidence in what your body can handle.

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What Work Hardening Helps Restore

Work injuries can reduce more than strength—they can limit endurance, coordination, and confidence on the job. Work Hardening helps rebuild:

  • Functional strength and power
  • Work-paced endurance and conditioning
  • Safe movement patterns and body mechanics
  • Grip strength and upper-extremity capacity
  • Core stability and balance for uneven or demanding tasks
  • Tolerance to repetitive motion and sustained postures
Common Work Demands We Train For:

  • Frequent lifting (floor-to-waist / waist-to-shoulder / overhead)

     

  • Carrying loads over distance and navigating turns

     

  • Pushing/pulling carts, equipment, or materials

     

  • Repetitive reaching, gripping, and tool use

     

  • Kneeling, squatting, crouching, and ladder/step work

     

  • Prolonged standing, walking, or sitting tolerance

     

  • Awkward positions and confined-space movement

     

  • Pace and productivity training appropriate to your role

What to Expect

Your Work Hardening plan at Farmington Physical Therapy is structured, progressive, and built around your job requirements.

Request Appointment
Call (603) 839-1034
1

A Supportive First Visit

We review your injury history, current symptoms, work role, and goals—then outline a plan focused on restoring job function.
2

Job Demand & Movement Assessment

We evaluate strength, mobility, endurance, tolerance, and task performance related to your job (lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, postures, repetition).
3

Work Simulation Sessions

You’ll complete supervised, job-relevant tasks that build capacity safely—using graded exposure and real-time coaching on mechanics and technique.
4

Progress Tracking & Work Readiness Benchmarks

We measure improvements in functional performance (tolerance, load, duration, form, pacing) so your progress is clear and defensible.
5

Return-to-Work Plan & Next-Step Guidance

We create a transition plan to help you resume duties safely—often including home strategies, self-management tools, and recommendations for workload progression.
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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