Return to Work Intervention
The evidence-based return to work intervention at NYU Langone Occupational and Industrial Orthopedic Center is designed for people who have been out of work and need intense conditioning and retraining to meet the demands of their jobs. Our team鈥攚orking in cooperation with case managers, human resources departments, and unions鈥攅valuates and treats people with pain
The person with the injury participates in an intensive and comprehensive program that simulates their job demands whenever possible and is individualized to fit their specific needs.
The goal is to prepare patients functionally and psychologically to return to work within four to six weeks after entering the program. Our program has a success rate of 95 percent for returning a person to any type of work, and a success rate of 90 percent for returning a person to their previous position.
Before acceptance into the program, the medical advisor at NYU Langone Occupational and Industrial Orthopedic Center, a licensed physical therapist, and a licensed psychologist specializing in musculoskeletal disorders perform thorough medical, functional, and behavioral evaluations. This gives us a baseline functional assessment and is used to customize an appropriate rehabilitation program.
The program is 1 to 2 hours a day, up to 5 days per week, depending on the participant鈥檚 physical condition and job demands. Activities consist of patient education, intense physical work conditioning, and pain and stress management sessions. Referrals to other healthcare providers are also available as needed.
The program includes a weekly assessment of the patient鈥檚 progress in meeting short- and long-term functional goals, as well as an evaluation by the team鈥檚 physician if needed. Ergonomic assessments are also available.