AJSTherapy @work
AJSTherapy@Work is a comprehensive program of safety services benefiting your employees and improving your bottom line. It also can be a industrial menu for employers to select specific services your company is in need of.
our Mission
Our mission is to provide new, innovative, and effective workers’ compensation programming, focusing on the areas of injury reduction, medical management, and cost containment. The purpose is two-fold: (1) to improve the return on investment of revenues spent on employee worker’s compensation programs and (2) by improving the employers return on investment, create strong long lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with our customers.
Comprehensive job analysis and employee pre-placement / post offer testing play a major role in our ability to reduce an employer’s overall work related costs. The pre-placement / post-offer test is a legally defensible, ADA and EEOC compliant program focused on the evaluation and assessment of an employee’s capabilities correlated with the physical demands of the job that the employee is required to perform. A thorough testing process in unison with a job specific component allows for the gathering of baseline data and comprehensive analysis.
Our AJSTherapy@work program takes an aggressive approach to rehabilitation treatment; which emphasizes an active role for the injured worker with return to work objectives. Our program focuses on communication with the employer, physician, and employee to ensure realistic return-to-work goals. AJ Schuster Therapy LLC will identify and establish transitional duty options.
Tony Schuster Spring Lake
Functional Testing & Evaluation
Fit for Duty & Return to Work Testing
This evaluation is designed to identify whether an injured worker has the physical ability to perform all or part of their job tasks following an injury. This evaluation is generally conducted following at the completion of a rehabilitation program but may be conducted immediately following an injury. The evaluation focuses on work simulation and is specific to the job tasks and physical demands of the injured worker’s job. Functional Employment Testing is the heart of reducing comp related costs. Hiring the work comp problem off the street is the single biggest factor contributing to workers’ compensation costs. By utilizing this component we are protecting ourselves against hiring someone who is not physically capable of performing the job tasks.
Pre-placement & post offer Testing
A comprehensive assessment that identifies whether or not an individual is able to perform the essential physical functions of a particular job. The applicant/employee’s functional capabilities and existing physical deficits are measured and correlated with the physical demands of the job that the applicant/employee is or will be required to perform. In combination with content validation in the form of a job specific component, the testing program is designed to meet the standards of the ADA and the EEOC. The testing identifies persons who have cardiovascular and/or musculoskeletal disorders and who may be in imminent risk of injury and establishes a baseline profile on an employee to aid in the rehabilitation of the employee should they become injured. The specific components of this comprehensive assessment include the following:
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Comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation including assessments of range of motion, posture, strength and joint integrity
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Assessment of cardiovascular status including recovery condition, risk profile, blood pressure and heart rate
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Static (isometric) strength evaluation of the back and extremities with comparative analysis
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Dynamic (isotonic) strength evaluation of the back and extremities with comparative analysis
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Risk profile for musculoskeletal overuse disorders
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Job specific or job simulation components including instruction in proper body mechanics and lifting techniques
Impairment Ratings
Specialized type of evaluation that includes the measurement and calculation of mathematical number that is representative of the level of impairment. An impairment is an individual’s functional deficit related to an injury or disease process. The measurements taken are compared to a published definition of “normal” which may vary dependent upon specific STATE regulations or administrative policies. Impairment Ratings are often used when an individual reaches Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) and is the final determination of ability to return to work or return to alternative work. The physical or occupational therapists may complete a portion of the measurement(s), and report to another Healthcare provider for the calculation and determination of the impairment rating.
post placement testing
Tony Schuster Spring Lake
The comprehensive assessment utilized the same testing process as the pre-placement / post-offer test, however is performed on current employees. The results of the Post Placement Test assist an employer in appropriately matching current employees to safe and appropriate job positions. The employee’s functional capabilities and existing physical deficits are measured and correlated with the physical demands of the available job(s). The specific components of this comprehensive assessment include the following:
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Comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation including assessments of range of motion, posture, strength and joint integrity
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Assessment of cardiovascular status including recovery condition, risk profile, blood pressure and heart rate
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Static (isometric) strength evaluation of the back and extremities with comparative analysis
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Dynamic (isotonic) strength evaluation of the back and extremities with comparative analysis
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Risk profile for musculoskeletal overuse disorders
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Job specific or job simulation components including instruction in proper body mechanics and lifting techniques
Industrial Rehab Services
Back to Work Counseling & Coaching
One on one counseling and instruction provided to the injured worker prior to or during their transition back to work. The Physical therapist identifies and addresses individual needs of the injured worker. Communication with the employer regarding the worker’s function and the coordination of reasonable accommodations are included.
Job Site Evaluation
The Job Site Visit is conducted by a physical therapist to facilitate the injured worker’s fast and safe return to work. Components of the visit include review of the job description, observation of the specific job tasks, measurements of the work station and identification of environmental factors. The information gathered assists in the development of a rehabilitation program specific to the physical demands of the job and identifies any risk factors related to the job. The injured worker receives instruction in postural correction, body mechanics, joint protection, energy conservation, job specific exercises and self-management for fatigue and pain. Recommendations regarding modifications to the work station layout and work methods may also be provided.
Post Injury Fitness Program
This program is designed to encourage the injured worker to continue with their specific strengthening and conditioning program after the completion of rehabilitation in the physical therapy clinic. The program provides a familiar, safe and supervised environment for the individual to attain optimal physical function, fitness and wellness.
Risk Prevention Services
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Job Site Analysis
The Job Site Analysis is performed by a AJ Schuster Therapy LLC Associate to identify the essential functions of a job, how the work is performed, specific worker characteristics, and the environmental or organizational factors related to the job. These include workstation design, worker postures and positions, performance of the task, manual materials handling, lifting. A job description listing the job tasks, duties and responsibilities is obtained prior to conducting a job site analysis. Information is gathered by observation, interviews, questionnaires, review of incident reports and work manuals. Job Site Analysis results can be utilized for different purposes including identifying task and environmental requirements of a job and comparing it to an individual’s physical abilities, job classification, identifying unsafe work behaviors or conditions and for the development of return-to-work or pre-placement programs.
Ergonomic Evaluation
An Ergonomic Evaluation includes the identification and quantification of existing work site risk conditions, evaluation of work site risk factors and recommendation of engineering and administrative controls to reduce the identified risk conditions. The goal of the evaluation is to identify and correct ergonomic hazards in the work place. Information is gathered by observation, interviews, and measurements regarding characteristics of the work, the worker and the work place. The specific characteristics include worker attributes related to size, strength, range of motion, intellect, education, expectations, and other physical/mental capacities; work setting attributes including parts, tools, furniture, control/display panels and other physical objects and work place attributes including lighting, noise and vibration.
Education programs
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Safety Training
Training and education are important components of a prevention program and should include all employees, supervisors, safety personnel, and managers.
AJ Schuster Therapy LLC offers training and education programs for injury prevention and management. These programs are available in an individualized or group format and can be customized based upon the injured worker or employer-partners specific needs. These programs include presentations, demonstrations, handouts, discussion and question/answer sessions to facilitate participation and active learning. Some of the programs are available in Spanish. Training and education programs in the following topics are available:
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Body Mechanics
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Nutrition
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Back School & Safety
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Upper Extremity – Neck School
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Benefits of Exercise
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Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention
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Ergonomics
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Postural Education
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Exercise & Stretching
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Hand Safety
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Off the Job Safety
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Office Safety
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Work Place Do’s and Don’ts
Safety Meetings
AJ Schuster Therapy LLC will participate in Safety Team Meetings and will provide input regarding proper posture and body mechanics that should be used during the workday and at specific job sites. AJ Schuster Therapy LLC will conduct Safety Team Training/Educational classes tailored to the needs of your business and job requirements. Suggested Topics include:
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Analysis of trends in injury / illness rates
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Loss time reports, including demographics and shift breakdowns
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Before and after surveys of worksite changes
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Job evaluations
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Review of physical components of job descriptions
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Injury cost analysis
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Records of implemented job improvements
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Outcome studies
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Associate satisfaction questionnaires