Who Needs an FCE?

An FCE is commonly recommended for:

Workers’ compensation cases

Individuals returning to work after injury

Post-surgical recovery evaluations

Long-term disability determinations

Attorneys needing objective documentation

Employers determining safe work placement

If there is uncertainty about physical readiness for work, an FCE provides clarity.

What Does the Evaluation Involve?

A Functional Capacity Evaluation typically lasts several hours and includes:

1. Medical & Work History Review

We review injury history, job description, and current symptoms.

2. Physical Testing

Objective measurement of:

Strength

Range of motion

Cardiovascular tolerance

Functional movement patterns

3. Task Simulation

Realistic simulation of work-related activities to assess safe performance levels.

4. Validity & Consistency Measures

Built-in testing ensures results are reliable and defensible.

What You’ll Receive

After the evaluation, a detailed written report is provided outlining:

Maximum safe lifting capacity

Positional tolerances (sitting, standing, walking)

Work level classification (sedentary, light, medium, heavy)

Functional limitations

Recommendations for return to work or restrictions

Reports are clear, objective, and suitable for employers, case managers, and legal review.

Why Choose Our Clinic for FCE?

Our licensed physical therapists are trained in evidence-based functional testing. We focus on:

Objective measurement

Patient safety

Clear documentation

Professional communication

We understand that FCEs often play a critical role in work, legal, and insurance decisions. Accuracy and defensibility matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an FCE take?

Most evaluations last 3–5 hours depending on complexity and job demands.

Will it hurt?

You may experience normal fatigue or mild soreness similar to exercise. Testing is stopped if unsafe.

Do I need a referral?

In most cases, yes — particularly for workers’ compensation or legal cases.

When will I get results?

A formal written report is typically completed within a few business days.

Schedule a Functional Capacity Evaluation

If you need an FCE for return-to-work clearance, disability documentation, or case management, our team can help.

Contact us today to schedule your evaluation or to speak with our team about referral requirements.