The assessments often include:
- Physical performance testing
- Musculoskeletal evaluations
- Range of motion and strength testing
- Endurance and aerobic capacity testing
- Functional movement screening
- Pain response and tolerance evaluation
- Work simulation or task-specific testing
At Ostherapy, our approach is not only clinical but also practical. We focus on real-world functionality, tailoring the assessment to match the physical demands of your occupation or lifestyle.
Who Needs a Post-Injury or Post-Surgery Assessment?
Our post-injury and post-surgical assessments serve a wide range of individuals in Denver, including:
Injured Workers
Employees recovering from workplace injuries in Denver need clear documentation of their physical recovery and work-readiness. Employers and insurers often rely on objective data to determine whether an employee can safely return to their previous job or if work accommodations are needed.
Post-Surgical Patients
Whether recovering from rotator cuff repair, spinal surgery, total knee replacement, or other orthopedic procedures, patients in Denver benefit from guided assessments that track their recovery and prevent re-injury.
Athletes and Active Individuals
Recreational and professional athletes in Denver and beyond use post-injury assessments to determine when they can return to training or competition safely and effectively.
Individuals Entering a New Job Role
Some jobs in Denver, especially those involving physical labor, require assurance that an individual can meet physical demands. Post-injury assessments ensure candidates are fit for duty without putting themselves or others at risk.
Goals of the Assessment
The primary objectives of our post-injury and post-surgery assessments in Denver include:
- Establishing baseline functional capacity
- Identifying physical limitations or risk factors for re-injury
- Supporting return-to-work or stay-at-work decisions
- Guiding physical therapy or rehabilitation plans
- Providing documentation for insurance, legal, or occupational requirements
Each assessment is tailored to the individual’s injury, recovery stage, and functional goals. At Ostherapy, our Denver team understands that healing is not one-size-fits-all, and we approach each evaluation with empathy and expertise.
What to Expect During Your Assessment
When you arrive at Ostherapy for your post-injury or post-surgery assessment, our Denver team will walk you through each step of the process. We take time to understand your medical history, review any surgical procedures or prior treatments, and discuss your work environment or physical activity goals.
Step 1: Intake and Review
We start with a detailed intake, including your injury/surgical history, current symptoms, pain levels, medications, and treatment records. This helps us understand your recovery journey so far.
Step 2: Physical Examination
Our licensed physical therapists will perform a hands-on examination to evaluate range of motion, joint function, flexibility, muscular strength, and postural alignment.
Step 3: Functional Testing
You will be guided through a series of functional movements tailored to your occupation or daily activity needs. This may include lifting, carrying, reaching, bending, squatting, or walking exercises to test endurance, coordination, and stability.
Step 4: Pain and Tolerance Monitoring
Throughout the assessment, we carefully monitor your pain responses and physical tolerance levels. We believe recovery should be challenging but never harmful.
Step 5: Analysis and Recommendations
Once testing is complete, we compile a comprehensive report outlining your current functional status, limitations, and capacity. This report can be shared with your physician, employer, insurer, or vocational counselor to support next steps.
Work-Focused Assessments
If your goal is to return to work in Denver, our post-injury and post-surgical assessments are specifically designed to evaluate job-specific functional capabilities. We collaborate with your employer or vocational case manager to understand the physical demands of your job role and tailor the assessment accordingly,
regardless of the industry.
Our work-focused evaluations may include:
- Material handling tasks (e.g., lifting, pushing, pulling)
- Repetitive motion testing
- Simulated job tasks (e.g., climbing ladders, assembly line activities)
- Endurance testing over multiple time intervals
- Assessment of required accommodations or restrictions
We aim to answer the critical questions: Can you return to work safely? If not, what modifications are needed? Our reports are objective, defensible, and based on nationally accepted guidelines and industry standards.
Benefits of Post-Injury and Post-Surgery Assessments
Engaging in a structured post-injury or post-surgery assessment provides many benefits for patients, employers, and healthcare providers in Denver:
For Patients:
- Objective insight into your recovery progress
- Clear expectations about return-to-work readiness
- Confidence in resuming activity without re-injury
- Guidance on physical therapy or continued rehabilitation
For Employers:
- Reliable documentation supporting workplace safety
- Guidance on modified duty or transitional work assignments
- Reduced risk of re-injury and workers’ comp claims
- Support for ADA compliance and risk management
For Healthcare Providers:
- Detailed insight into physical function and limitations
- Data to support treatment planning or referral decisions
- Objective tracking of therapy progress and outcomes
Why Choose Ostherapy for Your Assessment?
At Ostherapy, we are more than just assessors; we are your recovery partners. Our multidisciplinary team in Denver brings together decades of experience in physical therapy, occupational health, ergonomics, and rehabilitation science. Every member of our staff is dedicated to helping you achieve a full and sustainable recovery.
What sets us apart:
- Specialized Expertise: Our Denver team has extensive experience in orthopedic rehab, return-to-work evaluations, and functional capacity assessments.
- Individualized Care: We tailor each assessment to your injury, job demands, and recovery stage.
- State-of-the-Art Tools: We use industry-standard protocols, validated testing instruments, and evidence-based metrics.
- Workplace Integration: We understand job demands and workplace safety, and we integrate those insights into our reports.
- Collaboration: We work closely with physicians, case managers, insurers, and employers throughout Denver to ensure seamless support.
When Should You Schedule an Assessment?
Timing matters. The optimal time for a post-injury or post-surgery assessment depends on your recovery trajectory, therapy progress, and physician clearance. However, common indicators that an assessment is appropriate include:
- Completion of a physical therapy program
- Clearance by a physician to test return-to-work status
- Lingering symptoms or pain after surgery
- Uncertainty about physical ability or job readiness
- Need for legal, insurance, or disability documentation
If you're unsure whether it's the right time, contact us for a consultation. Our Denver team can help you determine if an assessment will provide value and how best to structure it for your situation.
Post-Assessment Support and Services
At Ostherapy, we believe in continuity of care. After your assessment, our Denver team offers guidance and follow-up services to help you take the next step in your recovery journey. This includes:
- Work conditioning and work hardening programs
- Return-to-work goal planning
- Referrals to specialists or vocational rehabilitation
- Ergonomic education and job task modification
- Transitional work planning and job coaching
We don’t just assess your abilities; we help you build on them.
Contact Ostherapy Today for Help Returning to Work
Post-injury and post-surgery recovery isn’t just about healing; it’s about rebuilding your strength, confidence, and independence. Whether you're trying to return to your previous job or begin a new career path in Denver, Ostherapy is here to provide the clarity, support, and structure you need.
Our assessments are grounded in science, delivered with compassion, and tailored to real-world needs. Ready to take the next step?
Contact Ostherapy today to schedule your post-injury or post-surgery assessment in Denver, Colorado.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does a post-injury or post-surgery assessment take?
The duration of an assessment varies based on the individual’s condition and the complexity of the job or physical tasks being evaluated. On average, assessments take between 1.5 and 3 hours. This allows our Denver team ample time to conduct a thorough intake, physical exam, functional testing, and analysis. More complex evaluations, such as those involving multiple job tasks or high-level endurance testing, may require additional time.
2. Will I receive a copy of the assessment results?
Yes. After your assessment, Ostherapy can provide you with a comprehensive report detailing your current functional capabilities, any noted limitations, and our professional recommendations. This report can also be shared with your physician, employer, insurance provider, or vocational counselor, depending on your needs and goals.
3. Do I need a referral to schedule an assessment?
In most cases, a referral is not required to schedule an assessment with Ostherapy. However, some employers or insurance carriers in Denver may request documentation from a treating physician before authorizing an evaluation. If you're unsure, we recommend contacting our team for assistance. We’re happy to guide you through the process and help coordinate with your healthcare providers if needed.
