Work Hardening Program

What is work hardening?

For people with work-related injuries and chronic pain, Bryn Mawr Rehab offers a range of therapies through RehabWorks, a worker rehabilitation program that brings together a multidisciplinary team to support people who have lost functional capacity due to a work-related illness or injury. Through goal-oriented treatment, patients who attend RehabWorks receive care that allows them to heal medically, physically and emotionally. 

From injury prevention to pain management, we take a creative approach to helping patients overcome work-related injuries. Our state-of-the-art RehabWorks facility has cardiovascular and isokinetic equipment, an on-site therapeutic pool and a work-hardening center. In this center, we combine physical therapy and occupational therapy with work simulation activities for the practice, modification and instruction of work tasks.

Patients in worker rehabilitation also have access to:

Occupational health and worker evaluation services

In addition to our intensive therapy options, we identify and address occupational health issues through a comprehensive range of specialized evaluation services. We’ve designed these evaluations to maximize employee health and productivity while containing health care costs. Evaluation services include:

  • Functional capacity evaluation
  • Independent medical evaluation
  • Pre-employment physical demand level screenings
  • Physiatrist evaluation
  • Psychological evaluation

Patients who participate in therapy at RehabWorks are often working-age professionals who have suffered a traumatic injury or serious illness. Many recovering patients need to regain their strength and relearn necessary skills. Our staff helps make the transition to the workplace as smooth as possible.

Related specialties

Hand Therapy

A hand therapy specialist is well-versed in a variety of methods and works to develop a personalized regimen for the unique needs of every patient. Our patients come from all walks of life—from young athletes to long-term arthritis sufferers to accidental burn victims.

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

With three locations in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, we’re sure to offer pelvic floor rehabilitation near you. Our pelvic floor PTs treat pelvic floor conditions in men and women and we’re able to offer comprehensive treatments for these sometimes complex conditions.

Aquatic Therapy

Through the aquatic therapy program at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, warm water helps patients relax, enhances functional movement, and boosts confidence and ability.

Stroke Rehab

Inpatient and outpatient stroke rehabilitation treatment and complex stroke treatment. We develop a unique stroke rehab therapy plan that help patients immediately build on their strengths and learn to compensate for limitations.

Brain Injury Rehab

Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital was one of the first facilities in the country to offer traumatic and nontraumatic inpatient brain injury rehab as well as outpatient brain injury rehab and has remained one of the best rehabilitation hospitals for brain injury treatment in the Philadelphia region for more than 30 years.

Lymphedema Management Program

Our lymphedema therapists help you achieve best results early and with continued treatment at outpatient locations in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. Even in cases of chronic lymphedema, an active management program can reduce swelling and improve symptoms.

Equestrian Therapy

Equine-assisted therapy provides physical as well as cognitive benefits for a person’s recovery. As the horse walks, the repetitive swinging motion helps to improve the person’s balance, coordination and strength and muscle tone through the trunk and legs. Cognitive skills improve because riding requires balance, stability, timing and planning.

Medical Rehab

Combining medical practice with therapeutic rehabilitation, the inpatient medical rehab program supports patients with a wide range of acute or chronic conditions that cause temporary or permanent disability. Our goal is always to help patients regain as much independence as possible.