Knowing that you changed someone’s life for the better is a pretty incredible feeling. Amazing, honored, rewarding… these are just a few of the words our Occupational Therapists used to describe their careers – after all, they spend each day helping people of all ages live life to its fullest by promoting good health, and helping them maintain a rewarding lifestyle after an injury, illness, or disability. As our team in Poughkeepsie put it – “We love being a part of the process, helping people to live their best lives!”
A typical day for an Occupational Therapist might include helping a child who has developmental delays to fully participate in school or social situations. For an adult, OT may include focusing on getting dressed, driving a car, returning to work or simply managing excruciating pain that prevents them from doing everyday activities like lifting a fork or opening a door. These are things most of us take for granted, but if you’re the one experiencing these conditions you know how crucial it is to get the treatment you need. April is Occupational Therapy month so this is the perfect time to recognize the life-changing work our clinicians are doing.
“It’s the best job ever…”
“I am an OT because it’s the best job ever! I love seeing the confidence built in my patients, both young and old, and with that confidence comes independence in things they need and want to do. Who wouldn’t love getting to do that everyday?” Meagan Grubbs, Occupational Therapist with Ivy Rehab Network Partners Southeastern Physical Therapy & Southeastern Therapy for Kids
“I could see and feel the results…”
“When my doctor told me I needed Occupational Therapy I was doubtful. I’d had a bad experience in the past with another therapy business, but as soon as I started working with my Ivy Rehab OT I could see and feel the results. I was able to get better and stronger, and gain more flexibility. I can once again do simple daily tasks I couldn’t do before. Everyone was so friendly and going to therapy was a pretty fun thing to do.” Casey L., Michigan patient
You may often hear your OT ask “What matters to you?” not, “What’s the matter with you?” That’s because their focus is to find out what your goals are and make them happen, not just make you feel physically better. At the end of the day, they just want to help you maintain a comfortable, pain free lifestyle, free from barriers.
“Lead more fulfilling lives…”
“I love being able to work alongside my patients and their families, helping them DO whatever it is they need to or want to do, to allow them to lead more fulfilling & independent lives!” Sarah Harsche, Occupational Therapist with Ivy Rehab Network Partner Southeastern Therapy for Kids
“Since I was 16 I’ve wanted to open a pediatric clinic…”
“When I was 16 years old my four year old cousin was diagnosed with brain cancer. After going through all of his treatments, he had significant gross motor, fine motor, sensory, speech and cognitive deficits, so his doctors recommended physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Unfortunately at the time, there wasn’t a pediatric therapy clinic close by, and his mom was trying to put herself through nursing school by taking evening classes. I volunteered to drive my cousin from Fenton, MI to Flint, 2 times a week so he could get his therapy. I was amazed at what his therapists were able to do to help him, and blown away by their kindness. His OT in particular, Audra, encouraged me to go into OT. She said if I chose that path she’d like me to come in and do a clinical with her, so that’s exactly what I did. I ended up working at that clinic for 8 years, right alongside Audra and the amazing team that helped my cousin. Since I was 16, I’ve wanted to open a pediatric clinic in Fenton. Forty minutes is too long for kids with sensory issues to be in the car. There were so many times that I had to pull over with my cousin when taking him to his therapy because he couldn’t tolerate the car ride. I was definitely thinking of him when we opened Ivy Rehab for Kids in Fenton this past year. ” – Jennifer LaRue, Occupational Therapist with Ivy Rehab for Kids
“In the end, my life is richer…”
“The people who sit in front of me are often referred to OT because of a challenge in their current life story. I feel honored that I get to be part of the stories they are living out, and walk alongside them during frustrations, let downs, victories, and striving toward an independent life. Together we navigate ways to provide positive changes to their lives, whatever that may be for each individual story. In the end, my life is richer because of the people who have allowed me to be another character in their story. ” – Megan Dickerson, Occupational Therapist with Ivy Rehab Network partner Generation Care
Conditions that can be treated with Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists practice a holistic approach, where they concentrate on making sure the surroundings fit the patient, and the patient is one with the occupational therapy team. We treat a variety of conditions, including the following:
- Developmental delays
- Hand injuries or conditions including arthritis and carpal tunnel
- Tennis Elbow / Lateral Epicondylitis
- Golfer’s Elbow / Medial Epicondylitis
- Elbow Pain
- Muscle, joint and bone problems
- Neurological problems
- Stroke
- Work-Related Injuries
- Flexor/extensor tendon repairs
- Asperger’s Syndrome
- ADHD
- Handwriting
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Sensory processing disorders
- Spina Bifida
Getting Started
Occupational Therapy is an essential treatment for certain conditions. Our therapists combine a wide range of techniques and services to create individualized plans for each patient. We assess cognitive abilities including thinking, reasoning, and judgement; provide home exercise programs, and specialized programs for industrial rehab and work-related issues.
We’re now offering more options than ever for receiving therapy. Plus, you can see us with or without a referral from your physician.
- Telehealth visits connect patients to their licensed therapists through a secure, HIPAA-compliant, fully encrypted, two-way video-call system. Patients can do therapy from the comfort of their home through a desktop computer, laptop, smartphone, iPad or tablet. Learn more about Telehealth here.
- Therapy at home allows both new and existing patients to receive in-person therapy services. This includes one-on-one evaluations and treatment sessions in the comfort and safety of their home. Learn more about an in-home therapy session.
- Therapy in our clinic: We are here to serve you. Schedule an appointment today.
