Case Studies
The Challenge
A workplace accident occurred resulting in a worker sustaining a fracture
to his tibia and fibula. Post-surgery the worker attended physiotherapy
and hydrotherapy with no improvement and had remained unfit for a period
of 7 months. The worker was referred to Rehab Options Provider Services
for a Work Conditioning Program where he received treatments in his home
due to his incapacity to mobilise. The worker's first language was
Mandarin which was overcome as a barrier through the use of an
interpreter to translate exercise programs and instructions on technique
and improvements.
The Process
An initial assessment was conducted where a gait analysis, strength
test and range of movement test was completed. The results of these
tests indicated that the injured worker had significant muscle wastage,
altered gait pattern causing a significant limp and limited range of
movement through his joints on the effected side. The worker had
decreased motivation due to being housebound unless aided by a family
member and a wheelchair.
A Work Conditioning program commenced focusing on the strength and
endurance of his leg muscles and correcting his gait pattern. Within
the first week the worker was able to stand unaided which previously he
had been unable to do. Over the course of the following weeks, having
two treatments per week, the worker was able to walk with a walking
stick for long distances and walk unaided with the correct walking
technique for up to 100 metres. The worker's motivation and self-esteem
boosted during this time as a result of regaining independence by being
able to walk outside and get the mail from the letter box, something he
had been unable to do since before the accident.
The Results
The worker regained enough strength that he returned to work on
suitable duties where his work conditioning treatments continued in the
work place. The worker was able to walk around on site, walk up and
down stairs and complete his suitable duties standing or sitting.
Further to his return to work, the most positive outcome was his
ability to regain his independence and quality of life through the
Rehab Options Provider Services Work Conditioning Program.
What the client says:
As the employer, we were genuinely concerned with the wellbeing of our
staff. It didn't seem that he was improving at all, despite
interventions of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. Once Rehab Options
Work Conditioning came on board, we could see an immediate improvement
in the motivation to return to work. We cannot thank the Work
Conditioning team enough for getting him back to work safely.