Functional recovery
Build capacity towards real work demands
Work conditioning links a person's current physical function to the demands of a real job. Our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists can plan progressive, task-relevant activities when appropriate, with goals and limits agreed with the worker and relevant treating team.
Start with a clear goal
We review the role demands, available functional information and any treating guidance to agree the program goal, starting point and safe parameters.
Progress with purpose
Activities can be shaped around relevant movement, strength, endurance and task tolerance. The individual’s response and clinical guidance inform progression and any recommendations.
A measured progression
- Baseline. Review the referral, job demands, current function, treating advice and the person's goals.
- Plan. Agree relevant strength, endurance, movement and task-tolerance activities with safe starting parameters.
- Progress. Adjust load, duration or complexity according to response and clinical guidance; avoid arbitrary pass-fail thresholds.
- Report. Summarise participation, observed progress, remaining gaps and practical next steps for the agreed audience.
How this connects to real work
Conditioning may sit alongside graduated duties, a functional capacity assessment (FCA) or a recovery-at-work plan. In a compensation matter, the insurer and treating team need to agree the scope and funding. A program does not replace workplace risk controls or medical certification.
Further guidance: Comcare guidance on graduated work and conditioning.
Questions employers ask
Is work conditioning the same as a gym program?
It is linked to a defined work goal, relevant task demands and clinical review. General exercise may be included, but the plan should answer the work question.
When does the program finish?
The agreed scope and goals determine review points. We report progress and limitations rather than promise a fixed return date.
Who sets the work goal for conditioning?
We clarify the role demands and agree goals with the person and relevant treating or rehabilitation team. In a compensation matter, insurer approval and funding arrangements are confirmed before the program starts.
How is progress reported?
We describe attendance, task-related activities, observed progress and remaining limits against the agreed goals. A progress report does not replace a treating practitioner's certificate of capacity.
Connect to the workplace
When part of an injury claim, the insurer and treating team determine the agreed service scope and funding. We can link conditioning with a functional capacity evaluation and recovery-at-work plan.