MSK-Centre-Waterloo-ON

Kinesiology/Occupational Health

Work Hardening Program for Safe Return to Work

Our Work Hardening Program is a structured, goal-oriented rehabilitation program designed to help injured workers safely return to their jobs. Led by a multidisciplinary team—including registered kinesiologists, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists—this program simulates real job tasks and builds the physical and functional abilities required for sustained work performance.

Whether recovering from a workplace injury or transitioning back after extended leave, our work hardening services bridge the gap between treatment and full-duty return to work.

Key Features of the Work Hardening Program:

  • Job-specific functional training
  • Strength, endurance, and mobility conditioning
  • Cardiovascular and musculoskeletal reconditioning
  • Education on body mechanics, pacing, and ergonomics
  • Gradual exposure to physical job demands

Benefits of Work Hardening:

  • Safe and timely return to work
  • Reduced risk of re-injury
  • Improved confidence and work readiness
  • Compliance with workers’ compensation and disability guidelines
  • Objective functional capacity documentation

Each program is individualized based on a detailed Job Demands Analysis (JDA) and medical clearance. Our team collaborates with employers, case managers, and healthcare providers to support a safe, sustainable return to full productivity.

Rebuild strength. Restore function. Return to work.

Contact us today to learn more about our Work Hardening Program and how we can support your recovery and job reintegration.

Post-Offer Employment Testing (POET) for Safer Hiring

Ensure the right fit for physically demanding roles with Post-Offer Employment Testing (POET). This legally compliant screening process evaluates a candidate’s ability to safely perform the physical demands of a job after a conditional offer has been made. Conducted by qualified professionals such as registered kinesiologists or registered physiotherapists and occupational therapists, POET helps reduce workplace injuries, lower turnover, and improve overall job placement accuracy.

Our post-offer testing services are tailored to you’re the specific physical demands of the job, based on a validated Job Demands Analysis (JDA)/Physical Demands Analysis (PDA). Each assessment measures strength, mobility, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and functional movement—all aligned with the essential functions of the job.

Benefits of Post-Offer Employment Testing:

  • Reduce risk of work-related injuries
  • Lower workers’ compensation claims and costs
  • Improve hiring decisions and job matching
  • Support compliance with ADA and EEOC guidelines
  • Establish a baseline for future return-to-work evaluations

Our POET process is objective, standardized, and fully documented to support HR, health and safety, and legal teams. It promotes a healthier, more productive workforce—starting on day one.

Hire smarter. Work safer.

Partner with us for professional Post-Offer Employment Testing that supports safe hiring and long-term employee success.

Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE) for Safe Return to Work and Disability Management

A Functional Abilities Evaluation (FAE) is a comprehensive, objective assessment used to determine an individual’s physical capabilities in relation to the demands of work. Conducted by qualified professionals such as registered kinesiologists, physiotherapists, or occupational therapists, an FAE plays a critical role in guiding return-to-work planning, injury recovery, and disability case management.

Our FAEs evaluate strength, endurance, mobility, flexibility, posture tolerance, and task-specific abilities, using evidence-based protocols and standardized testing procedures. The results help employers, insurers, and healthcare providers make informed decisions about an individual’s readiness for work or need for accommodation.

Benefits of a Functional Abilities Evaluation:

  • Identify safe work capacities and limitations
  • Support return-to-work planning and modified duties
  • Provide objective documentation for insurance and legal purposes
  • Help prevent re-injury through appropriate job matching
  • Ensure compliance with workplace health and safety standards

We can complete a general FAE or a job specific FAE which compares the employee’s abilities to the physical demands of the job based on a Job Demands Analysis (JDA). Detailed reports include clinical findings, functional observations, and clear recommendations to support evidence-based decision-making.

Make confident, informed decisions.

Book a Functional Abilities Evaluation with our experienced team to support safe recovery, effective workplace reintegration, and optimal outcomes for all stakeholders.

On-Site Ergonomic Assessments for a Healthier, Safer Workplace

Improve employee comfort, reduce injury risk, and boost productivity with professional on-site ergonomic assessments. Our expert team—led by registered kinesiologists and ergonomic specialists—visits your workplace to evaluate workstations, job tasks, and movement patterns to identify and correct ergonomic risks.

Whether in an office, industrial, healthcare, or remote setting, our ergonomic evaluations are tailored to your environment and workforce. We provide practical, evidence-based recommendations that promote proper posture, reduce repetitive strain, and support long-term musculoskeletal health.

Benefits of On-Site Ergonomic Assessments:

  • Reduce workplace injuries (e.g., back pain, carpal tunnel, tendonitis)
  • Improve employee comfort, satisfaction, and performance
  • Lower absenteeism, healthcare costs, and workers’ compensation claims
  • Increase productivity through optimized workspaces
  • Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations

Our process includes a detailed review of physical work demands, workstation layout, body mechanics, and employee feedback. You’ll receive a comprehensive report with actionable recommendations, equipment suggestions, and ergonomic training if needed.

Invest in your team’s well-being.

Schedule a professional on-site ergonomic assessment and create a safer, more efficient workplace—one workstation at a time.

Better at Work & Injury Prevention Programs for a Safer, Healthier Workforce

Support your employees’ well-being and reduce workplace injuries with our customized Better at Work Programs and Injury Prevention Programs. Designed and delivered by qualified professionals such as registered kinesiologists and ergonomic specialists, these proactive services help organizations create safer, healthier, and more productive work environments.

Our programs are tailored to your industry, job demands, and workforce needs—focusing on education, movement optimization, and practical strategies that reduce strain, fatigue, and repetitive stress.

Injury Prevention Programs

  • On-site movement coaching and body mechanics training
  • Stretch and mobility routines for injury prevention
  • Ergonomic education and workstation adjustments
  • Job-specific physical demand analysis and risk assessments
  • Early intervention for musculoskeletal discomfort and overuse

Benefits of Better at Work & Injury Prevention Programs:

  • Reduce workplace injuries, absenteeism, and lost time
  • Improve employee productivity, morale, and engagement
  • Lower workers’ compensation claims and health care costs
  • Promote a culture of safety and wellness
  • Meet occupational health and safety compliance standards

Whether you’re in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, or an office setting, our programs help your employees move better, feel better, and perform at their best.

Work smarter. Stay injury-free.Partner with us for effective Injury Prevention and Better at Work Programs that protect your workforce and enhance workplace performance.