Fostering ownership
Our aim in work rehabilitation is to facilitate return to work of injured or ill patients and to assist in mitigating circumstances that could otherwise result in a failure to return to work. Since we see clients with physical, psychosocial or neurocognitive conditions or challenges, our approaches are tailored according to each patient’s needs. By implementing a robust and goal directed rehabilitation programme (tailored to the patients’ occupational goals), we encourage patients to take ownership of their health and address circumstances which can hinder early return to work. An early referral does however remain a critical requirement in the mitigation process.

Physical injuries / conditions
By employing specific therapeutic approaches we assist patients to minimise their fear of movement by incorporating cardiovascular fitness, strengthening, work-simulated activities, life skill training and postural/ergonomic education. Each patient’s rehabilitation regime is different and tailormade according to their diagnosis, personal and work related needs by using an interdisciplinary approach. We furthermore ensure that psychosocial risk factors (eg. fear avoidance or alarmist thought patterns) are addressed early on so that the maximal rehabilitation benefits can be achieved.

Worksite assessment / Job analysis
A worksite assessment or otherwise also referred to as a jobsite analysis usually forms an integral part of a patient’s rehabilitation prior to his return to work. However, worksite evaluations can also be performed prior to or after a functional capacity evaluation/work assessment in order to compare the client’s functional ability to his/her required job role and thus make more specific recommendations (if applicable).

Psychosocial and neurocognitive conditions
Our therapists assists clients who may be in the subacute phase of their psychosocial and neurocognitive condition with the specific aim to furthermore improve quality of life and resume (or continue at work).

This approach is individually tailored and starts with a comprehensive assessment to establish which areas of daily life, his or her life roles and worker role may be affected as a result of the symptoms that may be experienced. Thereafter an evidenced based, goal orientated approach is used to assist the client with strategies to overcome challenges that he or she may be dealing with. A work visit or meeting may be indicated to offer further support and guidance to the client to help them re-integrate (or continue) at work, by furthermore negotiating accommodations that will support all parties of concern. Further assistance can be offered by means of a case management process.

Case management
Our case management services are usually birthed from an initial work site visit or meeting with key parties at work in order to determine the critical factors which may serve as a barrier to work. In such cases, a tailored case management programme is compiled whilst maintaining a healthy dialogue to ensure that the most viable approach and support are given to ensure successful return to work. If the client is off work, this may involve a gradual return to work process over several weeks, whilst the therapist offers specific support to both the employer and employee. It may also include regular contact with health professionals which are involved with the client’s treatment. Other circumstances where case management are requested, may involve reduced productivity as a result of a medical condition. The best starting point to determine the best means of support is usually by requesting a worksite meeting.