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The IPS Model
The Pro-Activity IPS Model is a behavior based comprehensive prevention continuum that is supported by the latest medical research in Work-related MusculoSkeletal Disorder (WMSD) prevention.  It calls for a three tiered approach that is divided into Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Prevention.  The IPS Model has been developed over six years of experience with one of the largest utility companies in the United States. 

The model has 4 primary objectives;

• To reduce injuries
• To increase worker knowledge and awareness regarding WMSDs
• To provide consultation to the company’s safety teams/councils
• To decrease the costs associated with WMSDs while increasing productivity and as a result increasing profitability

Primary Prevention, or Education & Awareness, is intended to prevent the initial onset of the symptoms associated with WMSDs within a healthy population.  This stage begins with a licensed Physical Therapist identifying the hazards of each individual job task by conducting a work risk analysis which is followed by a written report detailing the findings and suggesting problem correction.  Customized courses are developed to educate the workforce about; the musculoskeletal system, musculoskeletal disorders in general as well as those specific to their assigned work tasks, the ways to identify and alter unsafe habits, and the motivation to prevent WMSDs.  Managers and supervisors attend separate classes that detail similar information while also including cultural and leadership training.  Visit the Research page to find out what participants thought of Pro-Activity's Education & Awareness. 

Secondary Prevention is a more proactive yet non-aggressive, hands-off approach to preventing OSHA recordable injuries and lost time.  The primary service of this stage is the MSD Mini-Clinic which is a new perspective on preventing WMSDs from becoming chronic and disabling through immediate, efficient and timely medical treatment. This stage is instituted to manage those employees who do not have a recordable injury but do have fatigue, discomfort or the onset of pain as the result of a musculoskeletal disorder.  The MSD Mini-Clinic, is vital for those employees who, as a result of the Awareness Training, have determined that they have the early onset of a musculoskeletal disorder.  The participant meets with a physical therapist in a private, one-on-one setting at a company location to confidentially discuss their symptoms.  Following a 5-10 minute evaluation, the therapist recommends a customized self-care program.  It is important to note that during Phase II no treatment is provided by the therapist as this would qualify the injury as OSHA recordable.  Find out how effective Pro-Activity's Secondary Prevention is on our Research page.  

Tertiary Prevention, or the Clinical Stage, is the final tier in the PA-IPS Model.  Tertiary Prevention is instituted to aggressively treat those Mini-Clinic participants whose symptoms are beyond the early onset stage as well as those who are returning to work following a disabling injury.  In the Clinical Stage, participants visit a Physical Therapist at the On-Site Clinic on a regular basis for rehabilitation treatments.  The therapist is well versed in the type of work the individual performs so can prescribe a course of treatment that accounts for the required functional capacity and as a result the individual can return to pre-injury function more quickly with the techniques and knowledge required to avoid future injuries.