Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialists of Kenosha Studies Functional Testing to Return Patients Back to Work Quickly & Safely; Reduces Lost Time for Employers

Athletic Trainer Matt Winans, LAT, and newest member, Occupational Therapist and Certified Hand Therapist Tracy Benson, MOT, OTR/L, CHT of Physical Therapy and Rehab Specialists (PTRS Kenosha) recently attended a 2-day educational training on June 20-21 to align their knowledge with the practice’s industrial specialty. Following previous coursework, the training focused on functional testing, which will allow Matt and Tracy to better assess an injured worker’s physical capabilities and job demands. Proper functional testing integrated into an injured worker’s treatment results in better outcomes with employees being fully fit-for-duty upon return to work.

Recent studies by the National Safety Council determine that the average direct cost of an individual worker’s compensation claim for an employer is approximately $36,551. In the state of Wisconsin alone, there were 86,000 non-fatal work injuries in 2011, with 23,150 requiring an average of at least 6 days away from work (statistics compiled by the Wisconsin State of Laboratory Hygiene). PTRS Kenosha’s goal is to help employers reduce these costs and lost times by rehabilitating injured workers as quickly and safely as possible.

Like the entire staff at PTRS Kenosha, Matt and Tracy understand that no two injuries are alike. Therefore, they completed the functional testing training to become further educated on how to better individualize a patient’s treatment plan. When incorporated into a plan of care, functional testing allows a provider to better determine a patient’s current abilities in relation to his or her job demands, as well as create a treatment plan that simulates many of the worker’s daily job tasks. Testing also allows the rehabilitation providers to assess the injured worker’s productivity, pain levels, safety, and physical tolerances. Regular updates on the patient’s progression and estimated return-to-work timelines based off of this objective data can be easily and proactively communicated to those involved in the case management process.

The family at PTRS Kenosha is dedicated to providing the best quality services for our community and local employers. Matt and Tracy are excited to utilize their knowledge on functional testing to expand upon the practice’s already thriving industrial services, and be able to better communicate with employers how they can return injured workers back to employment safely and quickly.

PTRS Kenosha is a locally owned-and-operated private and physical & occupational therapy practice located on 18th Street specializing in sports injuries, industrial medicine, hand therapy, injury prevention education, orthopedics, and headache & concussion management. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact 262-551-5650 or email jeanette@ptrsonline.com.