The OIOC is internationally renowned for the quality outcomes of its intensive Return to Work (RTW) Program, which has a success rate of 92% for returning an individual to any type of work and a success rate of 84% for returning an individual to his or her previous position.

This comprehensive multidisciplinary work conditioning program is specifically designed to return injured employees to pre-injury work status before they develop chronic, debilitating musculoskeletal problems. It is appropriate for physicians, occupational health departments and insurance companies to refer patient as early as the first 4 to 12 weeks after an injury. The goal of the program is to assist patients with spine (low back and neck) injuries who have been out of work or unable to function, to go back to work within 2 to 4 weeks after entering the Return To Work Program.

Prior to acceptance into the program, thorough medical, functional, and behavioral evaluations are performed by a board-certified physician, a New York State licensed physical therapist, and a licensed psychologist specializing in occupational orthopaedics.

For the RTW program, the OIOC's multidisciplinary team evaluates and treats patients with back and neck injuries, back strains and sprains. This information provides a baseline assessment of the patient and is used to individually customize an appropriate rehabilitation program that may last up to 80 hours over a four-week period.

The OIOC RTW team works in cooperation with case managers, medical, or human resources departments and/or unions

This 80-hour program involves:

• A group of up to 5 patients participates in an intensive and comprehensive four-week program that is held for 4-hours a day, 5-days per week.
• The daily program consists of patient education, intense physical conditioning, pain and stress management.
• Patients have individual conferences with attending physicians, receive dietary recommendations when appropriate, and undergo biweekly evaluations.
• An ergonomic assessment may be conducted and instruction designed to improve proper sitting, standing, and resting positions during work and leisure time.
• Feedback is provided daily to the patient and a weekly discussion with the associate clinical director is scheduled to discuss the patient's progress, expectations, short term and long-term functional goals.
• Strict attendance criteria are set for this program.  Non-compliant patients are discharged.
• The Plan of Care is individualized to the specific needs of the patient.
• The goal of the program is to prepare patients functionally and psychologically to return to work. Other outcomes such as changes in physical and psychosocial functioning will also be assessed.