“What Is Occupational Therapy?”

Most Occupational Therapists hear this question shortly after answering the question, “What do you do for a living?”

The field of Occupational Therapy is a broad field with many specialities and fields of practice. OTs can work in hospitals, clinics, worksites or a patient’s home. OTs can work with every age of clients – even newborns. They can work as hand therapists, workplace ergonomists, pediatric therapists, outpatient experts, home health and in acute hospital rehab. OTs can also work in non-traditional settings as well, such as hippotherapy and pool therapy

In its simplest terms, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants assist people of all ages to participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Frequently, occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate in school and social situations at their highest potential, helping people recovering from an injury to regain important independent life skills and providing treatment for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.

Occupational therapy services typically include:¹

• A comprehensive evaluation, during which goals are determined by the client, family, and occupational therapist.
• Individualized intervention to improve the person’s ability to perform daily activities and reach their goals.
• Review of goals to ensure that the goals are being met and/or make changes to the overall plan.

Occupational therapy practitioners have a holistic perspective, in which the focus is on adapting the environment to fit the person, and the person is an integral part of the therapy team.

Occupational therapy is an extremely rewarding career, to help others reach their goals and regain maximal function in their environment. For clients, it is also rewarding to set goals that are motivating for them and work to achieve them in an encouraging, supportive setting.

Live Your Life has passionate occupational therapists to help you out. Learn more about Live Your Life’s Occupational Therapy services on our website at http://www.liveyourlifept.com/physical-therapy-wellness-services/occupational-therapy

Happy Holidays!

Beth Mayotte, OTR/L, CWCE
Occupational Therapist
Live Your Life^TM
Bringing Physical Therapy & Wellness to You!

Beth Mayotte graduated with a B.A. in Occupational Therapy from St. Catherine University in 1997. Following internships in Berkeley and Fremont CA, Beth worked in Abiliene, Texas in inpatient rehab servicing 19 counties. Beth was part of an interdisciplinary team that treated spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and general orthopaedic and neurologic diagnoses.

Beth returned to MN in 2001 to work in various settings including long-term care, transitional care, and acute care. Starting in 2007, she worked in a non-traditional outpatient clinic utilizing a Postural Restoration perspective on land and in the pool. Working from a Postural Restoration perspective, Beth also utilized Graston techniques, modalities, balance and strength training, and pool therapy to help the client achieve their goals and maximum physical abilities.

In addition to Live Your Life PT, Beth currently works for Blankenheim Services LLC and is contracted at manufacturing sites, providing onsite ergonomic assessments and Rehab Response Services to employees both on the factory floor and in office environments.

Beth loves the freedom and flexibility her career as an Occupational Therapist has provided her and her family. She also loves the ability to partner closely with the client to achieve their goals, support them, and witness their journey to improved health and independence.

References
¹“About Occupational Therapy.” The American Occupational Therapy Association. https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy.aspx. Date accessed 11/21/17.