Clinical guidance to optimize work participation after injury or illness: The role of physical therapists

Deirdre Daley, WorkWell Prevention and Care
Lorena Pettet Payne, AOPT
Jill Galper, IMX Medical Management Services
Anthony Cheung, Medical Center
Lori Deal, Client Operations Premise Health
Michelle Despres, One Call
Jodan D. Garcia, Georgia State University
Frances Kistner, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Neil Mackenzie, Cioffredi and Associates
Trisha Perry, Medical Center
Christine Richards, Tomsic Physical Therapy
Reuben Escorpizo, University of Vermont
Kurt T. Hegmann, The University of Utah
Kathryn Mueller, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Pamela A. Warren, Carle Physician Group
Bryan Conner, AMR
Drew Cashatt, AMR
Kathy Woychick, AMR
Annette Griffith, AMR
Sue Isernhagen, DSI Work Solutions, Inc.
Brian D. Lowe, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Bonnie Lyytinen-Hale, Genex Services
Sarah Martin, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Kathy Maltchev, Disney Health Services
Sonia Paquette, Permanente Medical Group
Jason Parker
Kathy Rockefeller, Nova Southeastern University
Michael D. Ross, Daemen College
Gwen Simons, Simons and Associates Law
Edward P. Steffan, Inc
Rick Wickstrom, WorkAbility Systems
Steve Wurzelbacher, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

Abstract

Work rehabilitation refers to the process of assisting workers to remain at work or return to work (RTW) in a safe and productive manner, while limiting the negative impact of restricted work, unemployment, and work disability. The primary purpose of this clinical practice guideline (CPG) is to systematically review available scientific evidence and provide a set of evidence-based recommendations for effective physical therapy evaluation, treatment, and management of individuals experiencing limitations in the ability to participate in work following injury or illness.