St. Luke’s Work Hardening program takes conditioning to the next level. Through the course of this treatment, our therapists work with patients in daily 4-hour sessions, incrementally adding hours until patients can perform functional tasks equivalent to an 8-hour workday. Through supervised work sessions that incorporate similar equipment to the jobsite and other functional aspects of the job, we help injured patients through the “return-to-work” process every step of the way. Although work simulation is key to the therapy, we also include elements of strength and conditioning to enhance our patients’ success.

Work Hardening Benefits

This program can help patients experience:

• Increased independence
• Increased jobsite functionality
• Decreased pain
• Increased ability to perform work related tasks over the workday

Helping Patients Heal

Work hardening is helpful for patients with:

• Work-related injuries
• Prolonged absence from work due to injury

Learn about our Occupational Rehabilitation Program Outcomes (PDF)