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Occupational therapy


Occupational Therapy: Because life is made to LIVE

and where our GOAL is to help you achieve yours!

The occupational therapy department at FCMC is available to you during your hospital or swing bed admission, during a stay in LTC, through outpatient services or as a home health patient. Our dedicated and compassionate staff are here to help you and your family begin to Live Life to the Fullest.
We invite you to use FCMC Rehab for your OT needs. The convenience of our location may be why you come to FCMC but the quality of the care you receive will be what brings you back.

The occupational therapy department is dedicated to the prevention and supported healing of upper extremity injuries, diminished performance in daily routines and is skilled in splint fabrication and education. The OT department skillfully identifies area of deficit and provide a detailed plan to improve your function, decrease pain and enhance your overall quality of life. The occupational therapy department also provides modification recommendations and adaptive strategy training to those with permanent limitations to allow them to maintain the function and independence that they desire.



Your Success is our #1 Goal

  • Carpal Tunnel Prevention
  • Nerve Injury
  • Tendon / Ligament Injury
  • Fracture Caere
  • Stroke
  • Rehab Arm/Hand Injuries
  • Work Injuries
  • Splinting

Occupational Therapy Specializations at FCMC


Saebo Certification
Kenton Sitch, MOT

A Saebo certified occupational therapist can use the Saebo orthotic as part of the dynamic therapy plan to improve overall functional hand use after a stroke. This customized orthotic is designed to enhance the therapy program and is able to be used by the patient once the conventional therapy program is complete. The device can also be used on patients who have suffered stroke with loss of hand use in the past, when they meet specific criteria. Call today and ask Kenton if Saebo is right for you.

For more information on Saebo technology visit their website:http://www.saebo.com/testimonials/

"Being my first experience with therapy, I must say I was skeptical..... not only was the therapy superb, it was always pleasant. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful facility in our community." - Elanor "Pat" Berkstresser.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy is not career training ....Occupation is defined as meaningful activities of daily life (self-care skills, education, work, or social interaction) especially to enable or encourage participation in such activities despite impairments or limitations in physical or mental functioning

Occupational therapy at FCMC looks at the function and independence of people across the lifespan and works individually to retrain, restore and adapt environments and processes to improve the overall quality of life. Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach towards functional and your daily routine. They look at individual's "occupations" or, their everyday activities. OT's work specifically to maximize a person's quality of life and improve their ability to safely and effortlessly engage in daily tasks.

Occupational therapy services typically include:

  • Evaluation of current function and needs, during which the patient and occupational therapist work together to develop a plan that will work towards success in areas valued by the patient.
  • Development of a customized approach for treatment that focuses on the person's ability to engage daily in everyday activities
  • Routine assessment of progress towards goals in order to ensure that the original plan is effectively working towards end goal of success.
  • Occupational therapy services can also include assessment of home and work/school environments to allow specific recommendations and adaptations for improved independence.

What to expect during Occupational Therapy?

At your first occupational therapy visit you can expect to be assessed by an occupational therapist. This therapist will initially review your medical history and medication list, ask for your report of injury and then review any information obtained from your physician and testing. They will then complete a physical assessment, review your home environment, work/school situation and other daily occupational routines. Once the assessment is complete, they will review their findings with you and discuss goals and treatment approaches for improvement of daily routines and debility.

Your occupational therapist will work closely with any certified occupational therapy assistants who will be assisting in your care. Together, they will provide a team approach to address all of our individual needs.

Activities you may experience in OT that will improve your ability to complete daily responsibilities:
  • Upper body exercise Activities of Daily Living training
  • Coordination/Balance Exercise Modification recommendations
  • Heat/Ice Massage Electrical Stimulation Ultrasound Adaptive
  • Equipment training Manual mobilizations Splinting Education

Tips to make your OT experience most effective;

  • Outpatient participants should plan to arrive 20 min early on the day of your evaluation in order to register your information at the front desk. Having this completed before your scheduled start time allow the therapist adequate time to complete the necessary evaluation during your session. For subsequent visits the first session of each calendar month, this same holds true. A new account needs to be created each month for us to bill your insurance. Though the process is shorter, it is time consuming so be sure to arrive early in order to get the full benefit of all your scheduled treatment time.
  • Have medical history and list of medications available. Be honest about pain and limitations. The therapist needs a clear understanding of how your injury is impacting your daily function in order to establish a plan.
  • Communicate any functional limitations that you have at home, work or during your everyday life.
  • Ask for clarification if your therapist mentions something that you are not familiar with. We want to help you so, If you have a question, ask!
  • Don't assume that because you can manage to get something done that you can do it well. Let us know if you struggle with something and let your therapist use their training and experience to possibly make things a little bit easier for you. OT professionals tend to be very creative and are trained to help you live life with more ease.
  • Your follow through with recommended strategies and modifications will maximize your outcomes during our occupational therapy experience. If you try something and it does not work, review that with your therapist so they can provide you with alternative strategies.


Careers in Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy Assistant: (COTA)

Observe patients progress and report to a occupational therapist. Use exercises, conditioning, self-care training, adaptive equipment, splinting, social skills training and provide education to help patients increase independence with their daily lives.
Help patients identify their daily occupations and provide skilled treatment to improve performance.
Identify adaptive strategies and provide patient and family education to integrate into daily routines.
Assist with OT team in providing exercise, activity and training to achieve functional goals.
Education Level: Associates Degree (2-3 years)

See AOTA website for detailed COTA career information: http://www.aota.org/Education-Careers/Considering-OT-Career/Resources.aspx

Occupational Therapist: (OT)

Rehab Services
Evaluate a patient's condition and needs
Evaluate a patient's home or workplace and, based on the patient's health needs, identify potential improvements.
Develop a treatment plan for patients.
Recommend special equipment.
Assess and record patients' activities and progress.
Education Level: Masters (5-6 years)
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