Solution-focused therapy and psychosocial adjustment to orthopedic rehabilitation in a work hardening program

Orthopedic rehabilitation programs utilizing a multidisciplinary approach invite a greater appreciation for the factors which influence the recovery process. This study evaluated variables associated with the psychosocial adjustment of work hardening program participants when exposed to Solution-Focused psychotherapy. Orthopedic patients receiving workers' compensation were engaged in a work hardening program in which they received either Solution-Focused therapy or the standard rehabilitation protocol. Patients and spouses completed questionnaires designed to evaluate psychosocial coping and adjustment to a medical condition. Patients across all investigated orthopedic categories demonstrated enhanced adjustment to their condition when treatment groups were compared with control groups. It is proposed that Solution-Focused therapy in conjunction with work hardening protocols, is effective for patients when developing effective coping responses to the stressors associated with orthopedic rehabilitation.