This site will look much better in a browser that supports web standards, but it is accessible to any browser or Internet device.

WorkSafeBC

health care providers banner

Activity Related Soft Tissue Disorder Services

The Activity-related Soft Tissue Disorder (ASTD) Services are designed for workers with pathology related to overuse. The Services consist of the following components:

  • ASTD Medical Assessment
  • ASTD Clinic-Based Treatment Program
  • ASTD Workplace-Based Services; and
  • ASTD Combined Program (includes components of both Clinic-Based and Workplace-Based Services).

Description of services
Admission criteria
Length of service
Service locations
Referral process
Bulletins
Inquiries

Description of services

a) ASTD Medical Assessment
A medical assessment to provide diagnostic clarification and treatment recommendations. Recommendations for further investigations may result in an ASTD Medical Followup Visit.

b) ASTD Clinic-Based Treatment Program
The ASTD Clinic-Based Treatment Program is offered by a multidisciplinary team including Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Physicians and Psychologists/Clinical Counselors. Services are provided at the clinic only. Treatment is tailored to the needs of the individual and includes:

• Activities to promote flexibility, strength and endurance;
• Real or simulated work activities;
• Confirmation of critical job demands;
• Physician or psychological support as required;
• Education on self management, pain management, ergonomics and work style issues;
• Recommendations for worksite modification; and
• Job Site Visits and/or development of an ASTD RTW Plan at the request of the Case Manager;

c) ASTD Workplace-Based Services
Services are provided at the workplace. Services can be delivered by any team member. The Case Manager can request any or all of the following services:

• Development and implementation of a RTW plan;
• Employer contact to confirm job attachment, pre injury job demands and return to work options; and
• Job Site Visits for confirmation of critical job demands, job coaching, detailed review of work demands and exploration of simple modifications

d) ASTD Combined Program
Services are provided at the clinic and the workplace and include the components of the Clinic-Based Treatment Program and Workplace -Based Services.

top of page

Admission criteria

a) ASTD Medical Assessment
Worker may or may not have an accepted ASTD claim and requires diagnostic clarification.

b) All ASTD Services, excluding ASTD Medical Assessment
• Worker must have an accepted ASTD claim and may have:
• an ASTD-related functional deficit or impairment that has not responded to initial attempts to facilitate or maintain RTW; and/or
• the presence of vocational, psychosocial and/or medical issues which require the involvement of one or more members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate RTW or maintain work attachment.

c) ASTD Clinic-Based Treatment Program & ASTD Combined Program
Worker must have diagnostic clarification; most often achieved though completion of either a MARP or ASTD Medical Assessment prior to initiation of service.

d) ASTD Workplace-Based Services
Worker must be job-attached or have a potential employer willing to accommodate a modified RTW plan.

top of page

Length of service

a) ASTD Clinic-Based Treatment Program
Typically 6 hours per day 5 days per week to a maximum 30 business days.

b) ASTD Workplace-Based Services
To a maximum of 40 business days

c) ASTD Combined Program
Typically 6 hours per day, 5 days per week to a maximum 60 business days occur at the clinic or the workplace.

top of page

Service locations

ASTD treatment is offered at WorkSafeBC-approved clinics throughout B.C.

Referral process

Workers are referred to the program by a WorkSafeBC officer.

Bulletins

top of page

Inquiries

For program inquiries, please call Health Care Services at 604 232-7787 or toll-free at 1 866 244-6404, or see ASTD contact details for more information.