Return to work

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Have you experienced a concussion and have experience with return to work, including planning, working toward, or having already returned? Participate in a University of Toronto study exploring return to work after concussion.

Complete a short 20-30-minute survey (optional interview available). Contact us at [email protected] to learn more.

Your return to work plan may involve a range of services both in the clinic and/or at your place of employment.

In-clinic services

Typically, the first step is to conduct a job site assessment to determine the physical and cognitive behavioural demands of the job and the work environment.  The onsite assessment also provides information to help with the planning, evaluation and recommendations for your return to work plan including any barriers or risks that will affect your return.

The next step is to assess you, the employee and determine if your abilities match the required job demands. This assessment takes place in the clinic.

Common in-clinic assessments include:

Functional abilities evaluation (FAE) or functional capabilities evaluation (FCE)

• Cognitive Abilities Evaluation (CAE)

Common in-clinic treatments include:

• Exercise rehabilitation
• Physiotherapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Work conditioning programs
• Work hardening programs
• Functional and work simulation activities
• Education
• Injury-specific strengthening
• Cardiovascular and flexibility training
• Disability prevention programs
• Counseling

At-work services

Common at-work services include:

• Physical Demands Analysis (PDA)
• Cognitive Demands Analysis (CDA)
• Job Demands Analysis (JDA) or Job Site Analysis (JSA) – combination of a PDA and CDA
• Ergonomic assessments and recommendations
• Workplace Accommodation Assessments
• On-site job coaching

Ergonomics is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment, often focused on improving workspaces to minimize risk of injury or harm.

An occupational therapist or kinesiologist may conduct an ergonomic assessment of your workstation and work environment. An occupational therapist can assess and provide recommendations for individuals with vision or hearing impairments, and/or cognitive or mental health issues.  Modifications can be made on the spot during the assessment and recommendations may also be made regarding equipment or assistive technology along with additional treatment as required. 

Return to work services are beneficial for both you and your employer. It can help to manage symptoms related to chronic conditions, manage expectations, reduce lost work time, decrease lost income and prevent re-injury or other complications. In short, these services can save time, money and frustration—for everyone.

Return to work services ensure that you can re-enter the workplace feeling confident in the level of safety and support for the next chapter of your employment.

Return to work services can help with a wide range of acute or chronic work or non-work-related injuries and conditions.  Below are a few examples:

• Back injury
• Back pain
• Whiplash
• Sprains
• Strains
• Muscle or ligament tears
• Rotator cuff disorders
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Overexertion
• Fractures
• Vision loss
• Hearing impairment
• Stress management, anxiety and other mental health challenges or issues
• Challenges with concentration, memory, multi-tasking, and other cognitive issues

Employers have specific responsibilities in the return to work process. This includes steps such as:

• Reporting the injury to the workplace insurance board in your province, such as WSIB, WCB, WorkSafe BC etc).
• Maintaining communication with you throughout your recovery and re-entry.
• Attempting to provide suitable work that is safe, productive, within your functional abilities and matching your previous earnings.
• Working with you and your healthcare team to complete an FAE and/or CAE.
• Cooperating with additional parts of the return to work plan and process.

A functional abilities evaluation (FAE) or functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a comprehensive assessment of your physical and functional abilities, using objective and measurable tests. A CAE is a comprehensive assessment of your cognitive-behavioural and functional abilities, also using objective and measurable tests.

Both evaluations can be general or specific to your job and related duties and both are used to determine your abilities, impairments or disabilities, which will impact your job tasks when you return to work. They can also help determine if any modifications or restrictions are required for you to do your job safely and effectively.