Functional Capacity Evaluation Edmonton

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Job-fit assessments that work for everyone

What Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation and Why Might You Need One?

You may be wondering:

Have you experienced a workplace injury evaluation and need to document your readiness to return?
Are you recovering from an injury and want an FCE for injury recovery to guide your next steps?
Are you being asked to complete work screening for a physically demanding job?
Are you unsure if you can safely return to your regular work tasks?

If any of these situations sound familiar, an FCE in Edmonton can provide the clarity you need.

A Functional Capacity Evaluation in Edmonton is a comprehensive physical assessment designed to understand how your body handles work-related tasks. Whether you are starting a new job, recovering from an injury, or returning to work after time off, a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) helps determine your current physical abilities.

At West Henday Physical Therapy, our team uses FCE assessments to measure your strength, flexibility, endurance, and movement patterns to help answer one important question: Are you physically ready and safe to perform your job duties?

How Can a Functional Capacity Evaluation Support Your Return to Work?

An FCE in Edmonton can be a key step in safely returning to work after injury or illness. We help by:

Determining if you can resume full duties or may need modified tasks
Supporting gradual return-to-work planning tailored to your abilities
Providing objective data for your employer, case manager, or healthcare provider
Reducing the risk of re-injury by identifying movement limitations early

Whether for a workability evaluation, FCE for injury recovery, or general work-readiness, our assessments guide informed decisions for your safe return.

Who Might Benefit From a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

You might benefit from an FCE if:

You are recovering from back strains, sprains, or stiffness
You have had rotator cuff or other soft tissue injuries
You are rebuilding strength and function after fractures or surgery
You experience ongoing joint stiffness or repetitive strain discomfort
You are dealing with balance, coordination, or movement challenges
You are returning to work after a period of deconditioning or extended time off

Every FCE assessment at our clinic is tailored to match your job demands and personal recovery goals, helping you and your employer make informed return-to-work decisions.

What Techniques Are Used During a Functional Capacity Evaluation?

At West Henday Physical Therapy, every Functional Capacity Evaluation in Edmonton is designed to reflect the physical demands of your actual work tasks. We carefully guide you through a series of tests and observations to measure your functional abilities in a safe and supportive environment.

Here’s how we do it:

Functional Lifting and Carrying Tasks

We assess your ability to safely lift, carry, and move weighted objects across different distances. These tasks simulate typical workplace lifting requirements and help identify safe weight limits for you. We ensure proper technique and monitor for signs of fatigue or strain.

Cardiovascular Endurance Testing

Through structured walking tests or step activities, we measure your endurance and how your body responds to sustained activity. This helps evaluate your readiness for jobs requiring prolonged standing, walking, or movement throughout the day.

Balance and Coordination Drills

We assess your stability using balance activities that mimic real-life tasks like climbing, reaching, or walking on uneven surfaces. Identifying any balance limitations allows us to recommend modifications or targeted therapy.

Flexibility and Range of Motion Assessments

We measure how well your joints and muscles move through their full range. This includes the neck, back, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles. Limited motion can indicate risks for re-injury, which we address through additional therapy recommendations.

Posture, Gait, and Movement Observation

Our team closely observes how you move during walking, standing, lifting, and bending. We look for compensations or abnormal patterns that could cause discomfort or increase the risk of injury at work.

Strength and Endurance Testing

We use standardized tools and controlled testing to measure muscle strength and physical endurance across key muscle groups. These objective numbers form the basis of your FCE results, providing clear feedback on what work tasks you can safely perform.

Throughout your entire FCE in Edmonton, our focus is on supporting your efforts while maintaining your safety and comfort. We communicate with you at every stage to ensure you feel confident and understand what each part of the assessment is measuring.

What Should You Bring to Your FCE Appointment?

Being prepared helps you get the most out of your Functional Capacity Evaluation in Edmonton at West Henday Physical Therapy. We recommend you bring:

Comfortable clothing and supportive footwear for movement testing

Any referral notes or medical documentation related to your condition

A list of any work tasks you are concerned about or want assessed

A positive mindset—our team is here to support you every step of the way

This preparation ensures your assessment is as smooth, efficient, and thorough as possible.

Is an FCE Only for Workplace Injuries?

Not at all. An FCE assessment is useful for:

Post-surgical recovery evaluations
Helping individuals understand their baseline physical abilities
Supporting long-term injury management or chronic condition care
Meeting pre-employment physical requirements through pre-employment physiotherapy screening

Our clinic customizes your physical capacity evaluation to your unique needs and job demands.

How Long Does an FCE Take and What Should You Expect?

Most FCE assessments take between 2–4 hours, depending on the complexity of your job tasks.

You can expect:

A detailed intake of your work history and current physical condition
A series of safe, guided movement and strength tests
Regular check-ins to ensure comfort and safety throughout the process

Your FCE results will be thoroughly reviewed with you before being shared with your employer or healthcare provider (if applicable).

West Henday Physical Therapy Helps You Move Forward

If you are returning to work, planning for a physically demanding role, or managing a recovery, West Henday Physical Therapy offers clear and supportive guidance through your Functional Capacity Evaluation in Edmonton.

We work closely with you to:

Understand your work tasks and create a tailored assessment
Support your confidence and readiness for safe job performance
Provide detailed results that help you, your employer, and your care team plan next steps
Offer suggestions for additional therapy or gradual return-to-work plans if needed

If you are ready for answers about your work readiness or if you’ve been referred for a pre-employment physiotherapy screening, contact us today. An FCE in Edmonton with us is designed to give you clarity and the tools to succeed.