Occupational Therapy › Services

Occupational therapists (OT’s) help people improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. They work with individuals who have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally, or emotionally disabling. They also help them to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills. Daily living skills range from using a computer to things such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and eating.

Physical exercises may be used to increase strength and dexterity, while other activities may be chosen to improve visual acuity and the ability to discern patterns. For example, a client with short-term memory loss might be encouraged to make lists to aid recall, and a person with coordination problems might be assigned exercises to improve hand-eye coordination.

The OT also instructs those with permanent disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy, in the use of adaptive equipment, including wheelchairs, orthotics, and aids for eating and dressing. They also design or make special equipment needed at home or at work. Therapists develop computer-aided adaptive equipment and teach clients with severe limitations how to use that equipment in order to communicate better and control various aspects of their environment.

OT’s not only to improve their patients basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, but also help to compensate for permanent loss of function. Their main goal is to give their patients independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Some people repair their spirit and rebuild lives of personal satisfaction despite the enormous challenges of their illness or disability, while others appear to lose hope.

Physical therapy addresses the overall strength and mobility of the human body whereas occupational therapy uses functional activities of interest to the patient to motivate and increase strength, mobility, and skill of the upper extremity.  In this manner, occupational therapy is also addressing the psychosocial aspects of rehabilitation.

Every day, children and adults have or develop health conditions that significantly affect their ability to manage their daily lives. With the help of occupational therapy, many of these individuals can achieve or regain a higher level of independence. When skill and strength cannot be developed or improved, occupational therapy offers creative solutions and alternatives for carrying out daily activities

The reasons for seeking out OT are varied. It can range from birth injuries, learning problems, or developmental disabilities to limitations following a stroke or heart attack and can include arthritis, Alzheimer’s, mental health issues, multiple sclerosis, or other serious chronic conditions.

OT practitioners are skilled professionals whose education includes the study of human growth and development with specific emphasis on the social, emotional, and physiological effects of illness and injury.

The Board of Occupational Therapy Practice is responsible for licensing and regulating occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants who meet statutory requirements for safe practice in Florida. Practitioners must complete supervised clinical internships in a variety of health care settings, and pass a national examination. The state of Florida also regulates occupational therapy practice.

Lower Keys Medical Center is proud to introduce Catherine Ghiotto, OTR/L as our new Registered Occupational Therapist. Ms. Ghiotto helps patients achieve greater independence of neuropsychological deficits (memory, attention, complex reasoning), motor function, sensory function and interpersonal skills.

Ms. Ghiotto is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University where she earned her Master of Occupational Therapy degree. Prior to her moving to Key West, she worked at Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital in Jacksonville, FL with both adults and children in the spinal cord injury, stroke, orthopedic, and traumatic brain injury units. In addition to her work at LKMC, Ghiotto also works with special needs children at Easter Seals, Key West.    

For more information or an appointment, please call the LKMC Outpatient Therapy Center at (305) 292-5881.