 Multidisciplinary Work Hardening AND Pain Management Program
Our program is consistent with the Australian Pain Society’s position for the management of chronic pain. It is delivered over 10 days either on a part time (8.30am - 12.30pm) or full time (8.30am – 4.00pm) basis over 2 weeks. Group sizes are between 3 and 6 participants.
Our team aims to assist clients to more actively manage their pain and injury. The program is delivered in small groups and individual sessions and provides pain and injury management education utilising a cognitive behaviour therapy approach. Each client’s individual needs are addressed during the one to one sessions. There is a large emphasis on exercise and graduated activity. Where requested assistance with vocational rehabilitation can be provided. A detailed report addressed to the referrer and client’s treating doctor is provided at the conclusion of the program and addresses recovery and work capacity outcome measures.
Possible indicators for client’s inclusion in our multidisciplinary work hardening program are:
- Motivated and receptive to a self management approach
to pain and injury management
- Prolonged length of time from injury or illness and no
or minimal measurable trend from other rehabilitation services
- Extended period away from work or difficulties managing at work
- Low self-efficacy, fear of symptom exacerbation, inadequate
coping strategies, need to gain recognition for symptoms,
depression, fatigue and other psychosocial complications
- Looking for a miracle cure and dependency on passive treatment
modalities
- Inadequate understanding of diagnosis
and prognosis of injury
- Complicated by other medical or non-medical conditions
and general inactivity, obesity and smoker
example WORK HARDENING timetable
Multidisciplinary Pain and Work Conditioning Programs (Job Capacity Account - Department of Human Services)
This program is generally delivered in the job seeker's home, in their local community of in our clinic. Our program aims to assist job seekers to increase their level of work readiness and to increase their capacities to work in a safe, productive and durable basis, in a commercial environment. Our process is summarised below:
- Evaluate the job seekers' rehabilitation and treatment needs
- Liaison where appropriate with the Job Seeker’s treating medical practitioner, Job Network Provider and other persons
- Case conference with team to develop program
- Deliver program – may involve exercise physiology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy or psychology
- Review progress weekly at case conference
- Provide 5 week update by email to referrer
- Liaise with Job Network Provider at program conclusion to advise on realistic work direction
- Provide final report to referrer at completion of program
– by 12 weeks
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