Ensure Work-Readiness with a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)
Have you recently suffered an injury at work? You’ve probably noticed that part of the worker’s comp process involves having a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) performed by a local physical therapist. ProActive Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab proudly offers the service to the Sioux Center, Sheldon, Sibley and Rock Valley, IA community.
An FCE is a formal assessment of your current physical capabilities, helping to guide your rehabilitation and eventual return to work. As the name suggests, it focuses on functional movements–the day-to-day actions you’ll perform on the job.
Our physical therapists are compassionate, thorough, and objective in their assessments, and our staff know how to navigate the complexities of the worker’s compensation process here in Sioux Center, Sheldon, Sibley and Rock Valley, IA.

What’s Involved in a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
We’ll tailor your assessment based on your job’s requirements and where you are in your rehabilitation. Here are some of the movements we might evaluate:
- Basic movements like sitting, standing, kneeling, or crawling
- Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy objects
- Balancing movements
- Manipulation movements like grasping, fingers, and object manipulation
Our goal with an FCE is to give you a sense of your physical capacity so we can recommend the treatments that will benefit you the most. We’ll also provide suggestions for safely returning to work, such as identifying restrictions, suggesting on-the-job modifications, and letting you know which work activities you can perform.
What To Expect During an FCE
Because we tailor FCEs, the exact duration can vary. Some assessments may take a few hours, while others may take longer. For longer assessments, we’ll spread them out over a couple of days.
Wear comfortable clothing when you come in for your appointment–workout clothes would be ideal. For shoes, we suggest athletic shoes or work boots.
Our physical therapists will guide you through the assessment process. We’ll explain each test and allow you to ask any questions you might have about why we’re performing it. Once we’re finished, we’ll provide you with our treatment recommendations and file any necessary paperwork.
An FCE is important in helping you recover effectively after an on-the-job injury. If you’d like to learn more about FCEs at ProActive Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab, request an appointment today!
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!

