Work injury services

We are specialists in rehabilitation and prevention of work-related injuries.

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute's multidisciplinary team of professionals offers customized services to help injured workers return to work quickly and safely.

The team also works with businesses to create healthy and safe work environments using quality and cost effective services.

Locations

Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute offers work injury services at several locations throughout the Twin Cities. Services vary by location.

Services are available at the following Sister Kenny Sports & Physical Therapy Center or hospital locations:
(Please note: not all services are provided at each location.)

• Buffalo (763-684-3888)
• Cambridge (763-687-7782)
• Coon Rapids, Riverdale
• Eagan
• Minneapolis
• Plymouth
• Owatonna Hospital (507-977-2150)
• St. Paul
• Woodbury

Evaluations

Functional capacity evaluation

A two-day extensive evaluation provides a thorough assessment of an individual's physical capabilities and clearly identifies work-related capacities.

Evaluations can be customized. Results are summarized on a R-33 form and recommendations are included.

Upper extremity evaluation

Sister Kenny offers a specialized two-day upper extremity evaluation to measure tolerance for repetitive activities using standardized tests and simulated work activities.

Physical performance testing

This two-hour assessment helps define whether an individual can return to work and at what level of capacity.

Referrals for this test are often from health care providers seeking input related to disability benefit eligibility forms or the need for ongoing disability benefits.

A formal report (R-33) based on testing results and recommendations will be sent to the referring provider for signature.

Pre-placement screening

Job-simulated, objective measurements determine a prospective employee's physical abilities.

These evaluations identify job-related essential criteria for appropriate placement of employees.

Results are conveyed to the employer for safe and effective work placement.

Treatment

Work conditioning, work hardening programs

Injured workers can return to work quickly and safely by progressing in a supervised program of work conditioning or work hardening.

• Work conditioning includes simulated job activities with body mechanics instruction, aerobic conditioning, flexibility and strengthening exercises.

  Hours and days are individualized and generally include a few days per week, depending on conditioning needs and return to work goals.

• Work hardening is a more intensive option for individuals who are deconditioned and need a daily program to increase their work capacities.

  Work hardening also involves simulated job activities and conditioning exercises, but generally begins with a few hours a day and progresses to four or six hours a day, over a period of several weeks.

Communication is important, so Sister Kenny clinicians are available to meet with qualified rehabilitation consultants and disability case managers as needed.

Referral sources receive on going progress reports. R-33 forms and recommendations are provided upon completion.

On-site programs

Job analysis

Consultants from Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute are available to perform onsite job analysis and ergonomic assessment, identify and quantify physical demands, environmental concerns and essential job functions in an extensive report.

Solutions for preventing future injuries and modifying injured employee workstations will be identified. Ergonomic equipment options also will be recommended.

Education programs

Our staff will develop customized injury prevention programs for employees and managers focusing on various topics including back injuries, office ergonomics and cumulative trauma disorders.

Classes are interactive and include demonstrations and opportunities to practice safe postures and movement related to real-work environments.

Follow-up services also are available to assess effectiveness and address ongoing needs.