What NOT to do during your FCE! (Functional Capacity Evaluations)
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- Опубліковано 24 вер 2020
- If you're scheduled to have an FCE (Functional Capacity Evaluation), it's normal to be a bit concerned or nervous.
After all, why does someone want to "evaluate" you for 4-6 hours?
And what are they looking for?
In this 3rd video about FCEs, I'll explain 3 things you want to avoid during your FCE, and I'll share 2 additional pieces of information that should help you achieve a successful test.
Watch the video for all these details!
And please leave any questions or comments below, and I'll do my best to help :-)
- Luke Gordon, DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy/Owner of Gordon Physical Therapy)
www.gordonphysicaltherapy.com/
It’s sad that our results are determined by other humans when it’s the patient that’s in pain.
Agreed. It's certainly not a perfect system, and there's a lot of subjectivity involved. Having a good primary doctor is very important, and at times you may need to consult an attorney as well.
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙌🏼🙌🏼 amen!
Just get a lawyer.. I am
@@thereal1505 me too.. if I get denied.. was considering doing the reconsideration myself, but decided to get an attorney. My gut tells me they do not want to give the benefit at this point.
@@thereal1505they ask that you get them filled out too
Super useful! Thank you for the information, Dr. Gordon!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching! Any requests for future videos?
The thing about these exams, people won’t tell you directly but I’ll say it. They’re generally exams to see if you’re faking your injury. The examiners do not give a rats butt about your pain nor do physical therapist. They’re typically against you, no matter how friendly they seem. They are made to belittle your injury as much as possible because they believe it’s a mental side to it. Just as a little kid who didn’t actually hit their head but you console them anyway and they start crying, that is how you’re treated. Regardless of how much pain you are in, just cooperate and push to your absolute limit. The only way you cannot perform the test is if you literally pass out or lose grip functioning. Don’t be scared of these people, they’re generally scared of you, because you’re the one that’s injured and in pain. You have to ability to revisit doctors and endlessly search for a solution until you are completely healed. If they clear you back to work, file an appeal and get a lawyer. You may have to go to your own doctor. Workers compensation adjusters are evil. They always have email options, always email them, so you can have everything documented. Never do phone calls. Remember, they are not on your side! They are always on the employers side unless you go to your own doctor. That’s my 2cents.
Thank you for sharing your perspective! Much of what you say is valid, although I'd like to think their are FCE therapists out there who aren't too biased.
If someone is working with a disability attorney, should you tell the evaluator that-- or is that none of their business ?
It’s none of their business, the main one you want to know is your claim manager.
I had a fce done, and they almost killed me. I left in so much pain. That was cruel and unusual punishment. My whole body hurts!
I'm sorry to hear that! I hope you're feeling better now :-)
Great video. Thank you
You are welcome!
Thank you for this information
You're quite welcome!
Very Very helpful. Thank you.
You're welcome! I hope your FCE goes well :-)
Thanks for your advice
You're welcome 😊
Man I wish I had come across this video before my FCE last Friday. The administrator told me all my restrictions were removed for the duration of my appointment and to pretend as if I never had them to begin with. Then when giving me instructions to lift weights onto shelf etc. said it didn’t matter how I got them up there, the more I was able to lift the better it was for me. Told me to use my body to help get everything up and keep my elbows tucked at my side so I didn’t have to extend my arms..this after 2 shoulder surgeries and still no fix
Wow, that's horrible! I hope you didn't hurt your shoulder during the FCE. If you did, make sure your primary doctor makes note of it.
I can't lift weights and I won't U got rods in my back so mope
Good ENERGY....great info
Glad you think so!
Great video !
Thank you! I appreciate your kind words :-)
This is my downfall... pushing through, not being able to function for days after, but all the evaluators not taking that into consideration after i've told them that, and them still saying that I can do what I can not. I think i'm heading towards an atty and it's only for long term disability. They completely ignore my cognitive issues. It's a draining nightmare.
thanks for advice
That's a tough spot to be in... if you push too hard, they think you can do what you can't, but if you don't push hard enough they hold that against you as well. It's a tricky situation for sure.
Hi, I watched a couple of your videos on FCEs. I am not on workers comp. I applied for disability retirement 2 years early due to over 24 years with a severe issue with my sacroiliac and lower legs and feet. I'm told the FCE is used to find some job that I can do. In fact I talked to a practitioner who does FCEs and they said they would be testing my pain levels to see what job I can handle with my pain levels. He thought it was amazing to push me to an FCE since I was so close to retirement. Have you heard of using FCEs for people like me? I know I can go in and suffer through the tests, but then be at home for a week, and not able to live normally. Any thoughts?
Yes, I've seen people in your situation get dragged into FCEs, even when so close to retirement. Just do your best to jump through the hoops. Good luck!
Hi! I was just wondering if you could answer a question for me. I actually just had an FCE yesterday and I feel as though I did good with the test and I’m also going by what my physical therapist said. However, I was having a hard time with my heart rate being at my max and she had to keep waiting for it to come down before I could start again. Could my high heart rate affect the FCE in a negative way? Thank you for your time and I appreciate it!
Hi, April. Monitoring your heart rate is just a precaution. Having a higher heart rate shows the therapist that you're giving good effort. So that should be a positive thing, not a negative one.
I have a non workers comp one coming up, wonder if there’s a difference.
I have some questions regarding pain while taking and after the FCE. I’m not worker’s comp. I’m filing for disability due to fibromyalgia, heart failure and painful bladder syndrome. My physical limitations and pain cause a lot of “fear”. For example, I know what I will physically and mentally pay for with pain for days later if I do something too physical. How do I safely show effort but at the same time, I know my limits and the price I’ll pay? Can you tell them, I’m unable to do what your asking & still be seen as making a good effort on some things?
This is a great question and one that's very hard to navigate during an FCE. My best advice is to explain your situation to your FCE provider, including your medical history and your response to activity. You might also request a 2-day FCE, so that your FCE provider can see how you're doing after one day of testing. I hope that helps!
This was helpful.
Thanks!
Thanks Luke,
Great Information. I just finished a work conditioning program after 24 visits to physical therapy.
They told me the next thing is an FCE. This is my 2nd rotator cuff / bicep tendon surgery since June 25, 2020
Do revisions on this type of surgery take longer to heal because my 2nd surgery was on March 18, 2021 and
i'm still struggling on impingement and bicep cramping up. Both of them are workmans comp claims. My Dr. seems to be
rushing me back to work. He thinks i should be healed but i'm not at all. I am 63 years old and just wanted your opinion.
Can you give me any suggestions on what to ask the FCE instructor ?
Can you tell me what to ask my Dr. after we review the FCE ?
Also any tips to ask my attorney ?
Many thanks to you in advance,
Scott Schatzer
Hi, Scott. Yes, it's quite normal for the second surgery to take longer to heal, especially when the rotator cuff and/or biceps tendons are involved. The important thing to focus on is if you think you're continuing to make progress with your pain, ROM and strength.
If you feel like you've plateaued, that's when I'd start to look for different kinds of help, such as working with a different PT. The hard part with Work Conditioning programs is that the entire focus is shifted from helping you heal to only helping you gain strength and conditioning. This can prolong the healing process in my opinion.
During your FCE, I would just do your best to communicate clearly and concisely with your evaluator and let them know what you've been through and where you are now. If there are things you can't do safely with your arm, don't do them. You really don't want to risk re-injuring that shoulder, so keep that in mind.
Does that help, Scott?
@@GordonPhysicalTherapy
Yes it did thank you again
Blessings going your way.
I have calfic tendinitis, it’s mostly when my shoulders are overused that it flares up. The issue is my job as a flight attendant, the cabin pressure makes it worse and I continually use the shoulders at work..that’s when it makes it unbearable …but a FCE test I don’t know if would recognize this? I’m on leave and filing for Disability, I was recommended to get this done…but under the circumstances I’m not sure if it work against me. Any advice welcomed, thank you.
Hi, Christina. My input is that it really comes down to your FCE provider. Make sure you relate your history to the provider, and make sure they understand those details that you just explained. With any luck, you'll get an FCE examiner who treats you fairly and considers your situation. And if for any reason you feel like you're being mistreated, I'd recommend consulting with an attorney who specializes in workers' compensation claims. Good luck with your FCE!
@@GordonPhysicalTherapy Thank you for taking the time to reply. I appreciate it.
I have a FCE scheduled for 8am in the morning! My lawyer just called me and told me to give it 100% through everything just don’t get hurt. Makes me nervous someone might say I’m not being consistent even if I’m doing my best.
It's a fine line for sure. It's important to give good effort, but you also have to no your own limits and communicate with your evaluating therapist. I hope it goes well :-)
Question I have work restrictions and I’m scheduled for fce They have to honor those correct? I’m not supposed to repetitive twist stoop or bend nothing over 25 lbs going for my permant restrictions and impairment rating
Yes, they should honor your work restrictions, unless your doctor has told them it's okay to "test to your tolerance".
@@GordonPhysicalTherapy I got a score of 48 on my fce what does that mean
I had my fce and when I told them something was hurting really bad and they needed to remove some of the weight they refused to do so. It ended up with me getting some symptoms that had been gone after my fusion. Four days later I am still hurting. This lady tried to argue that my toes and foot was not numb. The just had me bend at the waist and didn't use anything to measure just said 40% was all I could bend. They based this on my finger tips. So, because I have long hands and fingers my % is higher than someone with short arms and fingers. I would have thought they had a proper way to measure. They also said my left leg was a -3 when they were pushing on it but refused to tell me what it meant. Pushed on my head and gave me an instant headache. Not even sure why they pushed on my head.
Hey, Heather. Make sure you're reporting all of your symptoms back to your primary MD, as they make a lot of the calls. If you have an attorney, make sure you keep them informed as well. Good luck!
@@GordonPhysicalTherapy I let my lawyer know the same day and the NCM said she was going to let Dr. Boody know, however, I think I will call there today as well because I cannot trust her. She is refusing to give me the FCE so I can try to move up my appointment as well.
Wow........ I believe you hun. So ppl are just cruel
My doctor has ordered one of these to help her with continuing to fill out attending physician statements for my LTD claim where she has to put my limitations, ever seen a doc use this for that before?
Yes, I've seen doctors and insurance companies order FCEs for situations like yours, where they want to know what your physical abilities/limitations are.
Similar situation here; I’m wondering if you felt the communication between your FC evaluator and your PC seemed thorough enough to measure what was necessary.
I don’t want my FC provider feeling scrutinized, but at the same time, these are not covered by my insurance, so I kinda hope that they measure what they are supposed to measure…
Won't take too much of your time but does work hardening lead up to an FCE? I had 2 level lumbar fusion done and I do heavy highway construction work. Thanks
Work Hardening can finish up with an FCE, although usually it doesn't, as your therapists should be able to determine your physical abilities by the end of your Work Hardening program. Sometimes, you'll have an FCE before starting Work Hardening. Are you starting soon?
@@GordonPhysicalTherapy Yes...going to start work hardening sometime next week but haven't had an FCE yet. Thank you for replying back
@@Lborguy you're welcome! Good luck with Work Hardening. Make sure to speak up if you feel like they're pushing you too hard... unfortunately, I've seen programs get too aggressive at times and end up injuring people. I'm not saying it's common, but you know your body better than they do, so just keep an eye on things :-)
@@GordonPhysicalTherapy thank you
@@Lborguy my pleasure! Let me know if you have any more questions :-)
Thank you Luke for your time in answering my concerns on the FCE
questions. I'm certainly a bit nervous on the FCE. I WILL give my best
effort I just pray that the evaluator is fair on his or her analysis.
The Dr. is a concern as well. Being a workmans comp case
I believe he is more interested in getting me an MMI so he can be through
with the case. I wonder if I can get another Dr's opinion and suggest to my
attorney that I would like one.
Again Thanks for your time Luke and responding,
Scott Schatzer
You're welcome, Scott! Definitely talk to your attorney if you think you need a different doctor. Your doctor is really the most important part of your claim, and you want to make sure they have your best interests at heart. Good luck!
Is a FCE for people who are still employed with their company. My company terminated my job due to my restrictions and permanent injury and said they had nothing for me to do.
An FCE can be used for people still employed or people no longer employed. If your position has been terminated, your claims manager can use an FCE to help place you in another job.
I have questions about my issue that I had a ankle injury which lead me in a delimited asset of things
Hi, Rose. Can you explain more about your issue? Do you have a specific question?
What sucks is that I’ve been cleared to go back to work but my employer doesn’t want me back
I'm sorry to hear that... I hope you find something that will work for you! - Luke
I got glass in my eye and there trying to send me back to work after a year of zero treatment for my injury just pills
Work comp is a business.. for everyone, please remember that.
Yes, there are a lot of people getting paid...
Is there any negative things from doing an fce? Like can the workman’s comp company deem you unable to work and make your employer get rid of you?
No answer huh
Sorry for the delay! If your results find you unable to return to your job of injury, you have some options: you might be offered a "work conditioning" or "work hardening" program to help you return to your job of injury. Or you might be offered re-training to help you learn another job that's less physically demanding. I hope that helps!
See my reply...
I had my FCE on Thursday afternoon and I didn't know that I shouldn't have been pushing past my doctor's current 20 pound restrictions!? I definitely pushed more than that and now I'm paying the price. It's Sunday night now and my left elbow is really swollen and sore. Who should I report this too? My doctor or the PT who performed the FCE?
I would report to your doctor and your FCE provider.
I was told , SS does not look at the physical therapy notes. Is this true ?
I'm not sure if Social Security checks PT notes or not...
hi please answer this.
if my orthopedic restrictions are don't lift or push anything more than 10lbs, why when i was doing my FCE TEST they told me to lift and push more than my limit restrictions, I did it because I want to get better, and provide them that with time I can do better. the next day my shoulder and muscles area was on fire. with a big bruise numbness of my hand and fingers on that arm. Question number (2)
why did my Injury improvement decreased I was able to raise my arm Almont to a normal limit but Almont at the end of my #2 last physical therapy sessions I started declining not able to raise my arm as I used too.
having pain every morning
radiating to my neck. I just don't understand.
Hi, Maria. Sometimes your work restrictions don't apply to your FCE, especially if your surgeon or primary doctor told the therapist it was okay to "test to tolerance" during the FCE. I'm not sure if that's your case, but it sounds like it might be.
For your second question, I'm not really sure what caused you to regress. However, the inflammation from your FCE certainly might be the cause.
@@GordonPhysicalTherapy
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
Much appreciated 🙏
HI, I did my FCE and end-up in the middle
after consulting with my orthopedic, he order more physical therapy,
I was doing therapy every other day, before the FCE.
now he wants me to do physical therapy every day x 2 weeks, total of 10.
to get me where he wants me to be. and after this 10 days of physical therapy. I Will do another FCE,
And will go back to see him, is this Normal?
my shoulder muscles is still bruise from the last FCE, that it was done on May the 31st. The Orthopedic said it was normal to bruise. I'm not taken any inflammatory or pain meds. I don't think I needed, my biggest problem is my employer I was told they don't have enough employee's, that we have to work something out. I'm mentally. emotionally and
physical stress out, on one side I was told if I don't complied with the Dr's orders my case will be closed, on the other side my employer is giving me a hard time. even know they are aware of the workers com, guidelines
what would you suggest
on your personal opinion?
FYI
My Rotator cuff surgery was on Feb-10-22
started PT ON Feb/23/22
went back to work two weeks after my surgery. with Restrictions and a sling on my R, arm. was not doing my regular work duties, I was unswering the phones and taken notes with my left hand.
workers comp. refused to take me off work. Do I need a Lawyer or is all this Normal.
thank you in advanced
Maria,
Sorry started PT ON 2/11/22 not on 2/23
@@GordonPhysicalTherapy
Hi Mr. GORDON
Please read my questions under my own comments
Thank you 😊
I asked my doctor to fill out my fmla for shoulder impingment and referred me to do a this smh
I have my FCE And end up in the middle. now my orthopedic wants me to do extensive physical therapy x 4hr, every day x 10 days To get me back to where he want me to be. and after all this do another FCE. WHY,? AND is this common. after rotation cuff surgery. done on
02/10/22 did PT 3 per week
one every other day x 3 months.
It sounds like your doctor wants you to do a "Work Hardening" program. This involves 4-6 hours of therapy/day, where they focus on strength, conditioning and work-specific activities. It's fairly common, and with any luck, it will help you get back to work. Good luc!
@@GordonPhysicalTherapy
Thank you for ur fast prompt, Respond
BLESSINGS 💕
Can you get a second opinion?
They all are played by workers comp
It can definitely seem biased at times...
im still young and 31 yrs old why is my agency wants me to take that FCE
I'm not sure... were you injured at work?
Is Fce same as a qme?
I'm not sure what a QME is... can you clarify?
@@GordonPhysicalTherapy Qualified medical examiner
I have one Friday and I know it's going to send me into a lupus flare 😭😭 my right knee is going to swell up so bad 😭😭
How did it go? I have Lupus too
@ireneparker7731 I'm still waiting lab results. I have been tracking blood sugar now. The morning I'm 155 and go to 167 and just stay there. And then evening I can't get above 80, which the only reason I checked at those times because each time I was feeling fatigue and just blah. It doesn't make sense and seems like blood sugar is normal? I have an ultrasound for my uterus on Tuesday, so maybe they will have my lab results ready by then.
Are you diagnosed with diabetes of any sort? Hugs to you, lupus can really kick the butt
0:00 I Want See Fce
You want to see an FCE being performed? Or you want to see some of the tests they'll want you to perform?