Project Description
PROGRAMS
OFFICE LOCATIONS
BAXTER | 218.824.5027 |
CROSSLAKE | 218.692.5020 |
PINE RIVER | 218.587.5022 |
WHAT OUR PATIENTS ARE SAYING
What does an occupational therapist (OT) do?
Occupational therapists assist their patients in learning the skills for the job of living. “Occupation,” is defined as anything a person does to take care of themselves or others (activities of daily living), be productive (work), and engage in leisure pursuits (play/hobbies).
Who would benefit from seeing an occupational therapist?
An OT can help people of all ages with a variety of goals and abilities. They use everyday activities to improve overall function. Here are some examples of OT through the lifespan:
OT’s assist newborns & babies
- Achieve the proper state of alertness for feedings
- Make proper joint motions
- Meet developmental milestones.
OT’s help school-aged children
- With fine motor tasks (writing, managing fasteners, feeding themselves)
- Build strength, coordination, and body awareness
- OT’s work with adolescents and adults:
- Providing workstation or home ergonomics
- Teaching adaptive techniques for completion of self-cares (eating, dressing, driving, cooking, homemaking)
- Strengthening weak muscles to improve caring for self and others
- Educating in neurological interventions to improve fluidity and reduce effort for desired occupations.
OT’s assist older adults:
- Improve physical mobility & strength
- Address cognitive changes
- Maintain independence
What kind of education does an OT have?
To be a licensed occupational therapist, the OT must obtain a minimum of a Master’s degree of education. OT is an evidence-based and science-driven profession that is focused on improving a patient’s independence in the occupations that are important to them.
Select Therapy’s Occupational Therapist, Sara Carlson, MS, OTR/L, is located at 14884 Kirkwood Drive Baxter, MN 56425. Please contact our Baxter office to schedule; (218) 824-5027.