WORK INJURY REHABILITATION
Getting injured workers safely back on the job through work hardening, conditioning, and functional capacity evaluations.
Occupational Rehab in Kaneohe
What is occupational rehab?
Occupational rehabilitation, including work conditioning and work hardening, is a structure therapy program that rebuilds an injured worker’s strength, endurance, and job-specific function so they can safely return to work.
Getting back to work after an injury is more than a physical challenge, it’s a personal one. Our Work Occupational Rehabilitation Center (W.O.R.C.) at Kokokahi YWCA in Kaneohe, is designed to bridge the gap between physical therapy and a full return to active duty. We simulate your actual job tasks, ensuring you return not just healed, but confident and capable.
Our programs
Work Hardening
A structured, goal-oriented program using real or simulated work activities to restore your physical capacity, behavioral function, and vocational readiness. Designed around the specific demands of your job.
Work Conditioning
A therapy-based exercise program that rebuilds the strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular function you need to be ready for work hardening. The foundation before the finish line.
Functional Capacity Evaluation
A comprehensive physical assessment that objectively measures your current work capacity. Used by physicians, insurers, and employers to determine safe return-to-work status.
What to expect during your time with us
Sessions may last up to 4 hours a day, up to 5 days a week.
Initial assessment of your current physical capabilities.
A custom plan built around your specific job, progressing at your own pace.
Simulated tasks: lifting, carrying, reaching, and positional tolerances.
Our specialized equipment
Our W.O.R.C. clinic is equipped with the same tools you use on the job, allowing us to simulate real-world tasks.
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a thorough, hands-on assessment of what your body can safely do at work, how much you can lift, carry, push, pull, and sustain over a full workday. It gives your care team, your employer, and your insurer an objective, fair picture of your abilities as they relate to your specific job, so everyone can make confident decisions about your return to work.
Expert FCE Testing
ErgoScience PWPE™ Credibility
We use the ErgoScience Physical Work Performance Evaluation (PWPE™): a standardized, validated protocol you can rely on.
Objective results that support return-to-work, case resolution, and disability decisions
A validated scoring system, capacity projected to a full 8-hour workday, and a proven track record of defensibility
For physicians, adjusters, & NCMs
Referring a patient for work hardening or an FCE? Download our referral form below or fax directly to our Kaneohe office at (808) 261-4320. We partner with physicians, adjusters, and nurse case managers across Oahu to get injured workers back on the job.
Required documents
Physician Referral Script
Detailed Job Description
Latest Progress Notes
Meet our director
Ryan Sakuma, PT, DPT, COMT
Ryan has a Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science from Pacific University and went on to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from West Coast University. Ryan decided to become a PT after being a patient himself from multiple sports injuries; he spent time volunteering with F&L and decided to pursue his passion for the profession. He is now an FCE Specialist and executes Physical Work Performance Evaluations.
Occupational Rehab Director
“Interacting with and caring for the community I grew up in is the best way I can pay back my great experience as a patient.”
Occupational rehab FAQs
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Work hardening is for injured workers who have completed initial medical treatment but are not yet ready to return to their full job duties. It is most commonly used for workers compensation cases involving musculoskeletal injuries.
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Programs typically run two to eight weeks, with sessions up to four hours a day and up to five days a week. The duration depends on your injury, your job demands, and your progress.
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Sessions combine job-simulated tasks, strength and conditioning exercises, and functional activities tailored to your specific occupation. Your program is built around the physical demands of your actual job.
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Work hardening is covered by most workers compensation insurance plans and is recognized as a cost-effective occupational rehabilitation program. Pre-authorization from your insurer is required before starting. Our office handles the submission once we receive your physician's referral.
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An FCE is a comprehensive physical assessment that objectively measures your current work capacity. It is used by physicians, insurers, and employers to determine whether you are ready to return to work and at what level.
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A F.C.E is only covered by Workers’ Compensation as they are not part of the benefits package provided by private insurance carriers. If you are not a workers’ compensation patient and need an FCE, please call us at (808) 261-4321 for additional details and payment options.
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Yes, a physician referral and workers compensation pre-authorization are both required before starting the program. Call us at (808) 261-4321 or fax your referral to (808) 261-4320.
Other specialized services
Physical Therapy
Expert one-on-one care for injuries, post-surgical recovery, neurological conditions, and more.
Aquatic PT
Heated-pool therapy that lifts the weight off your joints, so you can move and rebuild when land-based exercise isn't an option yet.
Pelvic Health PT
Private, specialized care for pain, incontinence, and pre/post-natal recovery, so you can feel like yourself again.
Medical Massage Therapy
Targeted, therapeutic massage from our licensed therapists to ease tension and support your recovery.
Ready to get back to work?
Tell us what’s on your mind and we’ll reach out with answers.