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What are some of the common symptoms that could indicate an EFA is needed?

When a patient is experiencing pain the EFA can identify the source of thepain in muscle groups including cervical, mid-back, shoulder, upper and lower extremities. The following is list of possible conditions that can be identified

·         Neck  pain

·         Low back pain

·         Shoulder pain

·         Carpal Tunnel

·         Knee pain

·         TMJ

·         Fibromyalgia

·         Headaches

How would I use the EFA as a pre-screening tool for hiring new employees into a physically demanding job?

The EFA can monitor EMG activity in combination with range of motion, functional capacity assessment, grip strength and pinch strength. The EMG can simultaneously monitor activity of muscle tone, muscle spasms, muscle activity, and muscle fatigue in at least eighteen muscle groups. It is a unique tool that measures muscle function and responses. The EFA will identify pre-existing conditions that could jeopardize a prospective employee’s health when performing physically demanding work.

The following is a basic outline of a new hire process indicating where the EFA would fit into your new hire processes.

• Written “ADA” Job Descriptions
• Recruiting potential applicants
• Review of applicant resume and job performance qualifications
• Interview process
• Physical Demands Assessment
• Conditional job offer contingent upon passing “Fit for Duty” assessment
• EFA “Fit for Duty” exam
• EFA results indicate “pass” or “fail”
• Job offer and new hire orientation

I have had an on the job back injury but my employer wants to deny my claim.  Can the EFA help prove there is an injury?

Yes. 

There are several factors used in determine if there is an injury. The most significant factors are the combination of the electromyography and range of motion. Increased frequency (muscle spasms) is indicative of more recent or acute pathology.  Hyperactivity is characteristic of an acute injury when the muscle continues to function appropriately and no compensation of surrounding muscles is evident.

The more compensation, bilateral changes, absence of the flexion/relaxation response and bilateral vasoconstriction observed in the muscle, the more long-standing the problem. 

We have an employee whom the doctor won’t release to return to work, however there are reports that he works his farm and operates equipment.  There is an independent medical exam scheduled, how can we use the EFA and what do we need to do to include this as part of the IME?

Since the EFA combines the five accepted medical tests and the EFA report is written by a Board Certified Physician, it can be used to determine MMI.

We have had several employees diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that had unsuccessful Carpal Tunnel Surgery. Our company ergonomist does not believe the problem is in the wrist.  Employees were observed working in awkward positions involving the shoulders and neck.  We would like to redesign the equipment to reduce the awkward positions but need some proof that the equipment design may be causing the problem to justify the expenditure.

The EFA is the only equipment that can monitor the muscles in the front of the neck, which can mimic upper extremity complaints such as carpal tunnel syndrome or ulnar neuropathy.  This is different than a radicular component. The EFA can distinguish the radicular component in the back of the neck, the myofascial component or distal pathology.  All of these can mimic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and possibly result in unnecessary hand surgery or a delay in the correct treatment.

Uncategorized Add new tag, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, EFA, Fit for Duty, physical demands assessment