WORK HARDENING THERAPY
& WORKER'S COMPENSATION
Helping First Responders and Laborers Return to Work with Confidence
WHAT WE DO
Whether you're recovering from an on-the-job injury or preparing to return to full duty, Method Athletics provides specialized care through both Workers' Compensation Physical Therapy and Work Hardening programs.
Led by licensed Doctors of Physical Therapy, we serve those in physically demanding roles—particularly firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other first responders—who need more than just rest to return to form.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE
Workers’ Compensation Physical Therapy
Focused rehabilitation for injuries sustained while on the job. These are formal PT sessions prescribed by a physician, aimed at treating a specific diagnosis and restoring foundational function.
Work Hardening
A transitional program following physical therapy. It mimics the real-world demands of your job—lifting, carrying, climbing, squatting—so you return to work fully prepared for duty. Our team provides both, ensuring a full continuum of care: from injury treatment to return-to-duty readiness.
WHO WE HELP
While we work with all injured workers, we specialize in supporting:
- Firefighters and Law Enforcement
- EMTs and First Responders
- Manual & Skilled Laborers
Whether you’re being referred through work comp or seeking transitional support post-rehab, we’re equipped to help.
How it works
STEP 1: EVALUATION & JOB DEMANDS ANALYSIS
Your first visit includes a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy. We’ll take objective measurements related to your injury (range of motion, strength, function) and discuss your job-specific physical responsibilities. These become your baseline—a starting point for either rehab or work simulation.
STEP 2: Workers’ Comp PT (if applicable)
For those referred through work comp, we’ll begin injury-specific rehabilitation focused on healing tissue, restoring function, and managing pain. This phase often includes mobility work, manual therapy, and corrective exercise.
STEP 3: Work Hardening Program (as needed)
Once you're medically cleared or nearing the end of rehab, we may transition you into a custom work hardening program. This is not rehab—it’s a functional training progression designed to simulate real job tasks and rebuild work capacity. Expect:
- Load-bearing movement patterns
- Endurance and strength training
- Task simulations (e.g., gear-loaded drills, stairs, carries, squats)
- Progressive volume to match return-to-duty timelines
WHY CHOOSE METHOD?
- Doctor-Led, One-on-One Care
- Real-World Simulation Equipment (sleds, stairs, ladders, weighted gear)
- Clinically Sound, Performance-Informed Programs
- Trusted Locally for Outcome-Driven Recovery and Return-to-Work