Upper Extremity Functional Capacity Evaluation
Focused shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand testing by a COMT-UE certified occupational therapist.
A focused upper-extremity evaluation
An Upper Extremity FCE concentrates on the function of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand — the detail that a general full-body screen can miss. Because every evaluation is performed by Lauryn Bewlay, OTR/L, a COMT-UE certified occupational therapist (an advanced certification in upper-extremity orthopedic manual therapy), this is a genuine specialty that is uncommon among Charlotte FCE providers and well suited to hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder claims.
- Grip strength (graded and rapid-exchange testing)
- Pinch strength (key, tip, and palmar)
- Fine-motor and gross-motor dexterity
- Range of motion and positional tolerance
- Sensation
- Repetitive and sustained upper-extremity activity tolerance
- Consistency of effort throughout the evaluation
When to choose an Upper Extremity FCE
Choose the Upper Extremity FCE when the case centers on hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder function — for example, carpal tunnel, tendon and nerve injuries, fractures, rotator cuff repairs, or repetitive-strain claims. For broader return-to-work questions involving lifting, carrying, and whole-body tolerances, the Full Body FCE is the better fit. Not sure which applies? We’ll help you decide.
What to expect
The evaluation is completed in a single appointment at our Charlotte office. Clients wear comfortable clothing they can move in, and a detailed, objective written report is delivered within 48 hours and communicated back to the referring source.
Need an Upper Extremity FCE?
Credential-backed, objective evaluations of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder — reported in 48 hours.