By Jaime Michel, OT and DOR, Brush, Colorado
As Occupational Therapy Month came to a close, Jaime Michel, a Senior Director of Rehab (SrDOR) and OT for Infinity Rehab in Brush, Colorado, had the opportunity to reflect on the impact our profession has on the lives we serve. Occupational therapy isn’t just about helping people move better—it’s about helping them live better. And one of the most powerful ways we do that is by harnessing the occupations that matter most to each individual. Here is her experience with a recent patient.
Occupational therapy rooted in meaningful activities
Integrating meaningful activities into therapy—combined with evidence-based strategies like high-intensity resistance training (HIRT)—can elevate both performance and engagement. When therapy is anchored in what brings joy, identity, and purpose to a person’s life, it becomes more than a session. It becomes a transformation.
In a world where geriatric therapy is often limited to walking and basic balance exercises, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to do more. We ask deeper questions like:
What gives this person a sense of purpose?
For one of my clients, the answer was simple: fishing.
Patient spotlight: Don Amman’s occupational therapy journey
Meet Don Amman. He began his journey with us as a skilled resident and later transitioned home with his daughter, continuing outpatient therapy. From the start, I leaned into his lifelong passion for fishing—and learned a thing or two along the way!
As therapists, we often perform activity analysis instinctively. In Don’s case, I broke down the physical and cognitive demands of fishing. We started with casting a line in a seated position. I was able to modify the task by focusing on HIRT principles while seeing optimal response using the heart rate calculator. The activity evolved to casting in a standing position using a 5 lb. weighted dowel with a modified line allowed us to challenge upper body strength, coordination, endurance, balance, and achieve moderate to vigorous training zone via heart rate calculator.
The result? A highly engaging, meaningful workout rooted in what mattered to him. No fancy tools required—just a well-designed, personalized approach. High-intensity therapy doesn’t have to be complicated when the activity is meaningful. It wasn’t always easy, but because fishing mattered to Don, he was all in.
Occupational therapy: doing what matters most
Yes, occupational therapists focus on vital skills like ADLs, balance, and cognitive function. But at the heart of it all is one essential truth: connecting therapy to meaningful occupation leads to better outcomes.
This approach is more than philosophy—it’s backed by evidence. Studies consistently show that engaging clients in meaningful, personalized activities improves mental health, motivation, functional ability, and overall quality of life.
Occupational therapy: limitless possibilities, lasting impact
This is what makes occupational therapy unique. With a little creativity and thoughtful preparation, we can go far beyond the basics. We bring joy back to movement. We rebuild function through purpose. And we empower people to reconnect with the parts of life that matter most.
As we look back on Occupational Therapy Month, we celebrate our clients, their passions, and the therapists who help them achieve their goals through purpose-driven care.
