Episode 31: Functional Capacity Evaluations After an Injury

# What Can You Really Do After an Injury? An MRI or X-ray can show an injury, but it cannot always show how that injury affects someone’s ability to work, care for themselves, or return to everyday life. On this episode of *Crashes, Claims & Clarity*, Darrell Burrow talks with occupational therapist **Peggy Freedman**, President of The Freedman Group in Marietta, Georgia. With more than 35 years of experience, Peggy has completed more than 4,000 Functional Capacity Evaluations and over 30,000 treatments. She specializes in evaluating how injuries affect real-world function, from returning to work to managing daily activities safely and independently. Peggy explains what Functional Capacity Evaluations can reveal, why job descriptions do not always reflect the real physical demands of a job, and how hidden injuries can impact recovery long after an accident. ## 5 Key Takeaways ✅ **Medical stability does not always mean functional readiness.** A person may be considered medically stable while still having significant difficulty returning to work or handling everyday activities. ✅ **Functional Capacity Evaluations look beyond the diagnosis.** An MRI or X-ray can identify pathology, but an FCE helps determine what someone can realistically and safely do. ✅ **Real job duties may be very different from the written job description.** Lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and other physical demands are often missing or incomplete on paper. ✅ **Some of the most serious limitations may not be obvious.** Peggy shares the example of a carpenter whose undiagnosed brain injury affected his ability to perform basic calculations even though his visible injury was healing. ✅ **Recovery includes independence and quality of life.** Home assessments, job-site evaluations, and practical modifications can help injured individuals return to meaningful activities and function more safely. Peggy also explains the purpose of validity testing, how pain and fatigue are considered during an evaluation, and why objectivity is essential when her findings may affect an injury claim, employment decision, or future treatment. ## About Peggy Freedman Peggy Freedman is an occupational therapist and President of The Freedman Group in Marietta, Georgia. With more than 35 years of experience, she specializes in Functional Capacity Evaluations, return-to-work programs, work conditioning, home and job-site assessments, and rehabilitation following workplace and personal injuries. She has personally completed more than 4,000 Functional Capacity Evaluations and over 30,000 treatments and is frequently called upon as an expert witness in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and disability cases. ## Connect With Peggy Freedman **The Freedman Group** 1950 Spectrum Circle, Suite 125 Marietta, Georgia 770-541-7401 Listen to *Crashes, Claims & Clarity*: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crashes-claims-clarity/id1824256144 Visit Burrow & Associates website: Personal Injury & Bankruptcy Lawyers | Burrow & Associates