Objective Assessment. Clear Functional Information. Supporting Your Claim.
When an injury, illness or physical condition affects your ability to work or perform everyday activities, an objective assessment can help document how your physical limitations affect your function.
At Sterling Physiotherapy & Wellness, we provide individualized disability claim assessments in Calgary focused on physical function, mobility, strength, endurance and activity limitations.
A physiotherapy assessment can help identify how a person’s physical condition affects activities such as walking, standing, sitting, lifting, carrying, reaching, bending, pushing, pulling and other functional tasks. Physiotherapists assess physical abilities and the impact of illness or injury on function in work and everyday settings.
Our assessment process is structured around your current functional abilities and the requirements relevant to your situation. Where appropriate, findings can be documented in a professional report for the applicable insurer, employer, healthcare provider or other authorized party.
The purpose of an assessment is to provide objective clinical information about your physical function and limitations. It does not determine whether a disability claim will be approved.
What Is a Disability Claim Assessment?
A disability claim assessment is an objective evaluation of physical function that may help document how an injury, illness or health condition affects a person’s ability to perform activities.
Depending on the purpose of the assessment, your physiotherapist may examine:
- Mobility
- Range of motion
- Muscle strength
- Physical endurance
- Balance
- Coordination
- Functional movement
- Activity tolerance
- Lifting and carrying ability
- Sitting and standing tolerance
- Walking tolerance
- Reaching and handling
- Bending and squatting
- Pushing and pulling
- Other relevant physical tasks
The specific assessment depends on the requirements of your claim and the physical demands relevant to your work or daily activities.
Who May Benefit From a Disability Claim Assessment?
A disability claim assessment may be appropriate for individuals who need objective information about physical limitations associated with an injury, illness or health condition.
This may include people experiencing:
- Persistent musculoskeletal pain
- Back or neck conditions
- Joint injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Post-surgical limitations
- Reduced mobility
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced physical endurance
- Balance difficulties
- Long-term physical limitations
- Functional limitations affecting work
- Difficulty performing normal daily activities
Whether a physiotherapy assessment is appropriate depends on the purpose of the claim and the type of information required.
What This Involves
- Functional Assessment
- Physical Capacity Assessment
- Work-Related Function
- Objective Clinical Findings
- Disability Documentation
- Rehabilitation Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a disability claim assessment?
A disability claim assessment is an objective evaluation of physical function and limitations related to an injury, illness or health condition. It may examine mobility, strength, endurance, range of motion and functional activities relevant to the purpose of the claim.
What does a physiotherapist assess for a disability claim?
Depending on the purpose of the assessment, a physiotherapist may assess range of motion, strength, mobility, balance, endurance, activity tolerance and functional activities such as walking, standing, lifting, carrying, reaching, bending and other relevant tasks. Physiotherapists assess physical abilities and their impact on function.
Can a physiotherapist complete disability claim forms?
A physiotherapist may be able to complete appropriate documentation within their professional scope and based on their assessment findings. Requirements vary by insurer, employer or program, so bring any specific forms or instructions to your appointment.
Does a disability assessment guarantee approval of my claim?
No. A physiotherapist provides objective clinical findings and documentation within their professional scope. The insurer, employer, government program or other decision-maker determines eligibility for disability benefits.
Do I need a referral for a disability claim assessment?
Referral requirements depend on the organization requesting the assessment and the circumstances of your claim. If you have been given specific instructions by an insurer, employer or other organization, bring them to your appointment so the requirements can be reviewed.
Areas We Serve
Proudly serving Calgary and nearby communities including Airdrie, Okotoks, Chestermere, Cochrane, Langdon, Strathmore, De Winton. Book your appointment today.