FAQs

An occupational therapist can help after an injury, surgery, stroke, illness, or change in strength and movement. Treatment may focus on using your arm or hand, getting dressed, cooking, working, doing hobbies, or staying safe and independent at home. The focus is not only on getting stronger or moving better, it is about helping you use those skills in real life so you can get back to the things that matter most to you.

Occupational therapy and physical therapy both help people move better, feel stronger, and become more independent, ultimately improving quality of life. However, they often have different goals in how they help people get there. Occupational therapy focuses on helping you complete everyday activities, such as dressing, cooking, working, using your arm or hand, and returning to hobbies. Physical therapy often focuses more on walking, balance, mobility, strength, and movement of the body. Both occupational therapists and physical therapists can also get extra training in specialty areas. These may include hand and upper-extremity rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation, stroke recovery, sports rehabilitation, vestibular therapy, pelvic health, pediatrics, geriatrics, wound care, lymphedema, chronic pain, and orthopedic rehabilitation. At Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy, treatment focuses on helping you use your skills in real life so you can get back to the activities that matter most to you.

Most insurance plans require a referral or prescription for occupational therapy before they will pay for services. Requirements can vary by insurance company and plan, so it is important to check your benefits before starting therapy. If you are paying for occupational therapy yourself, Michigan does not generally require a referral to see an occupational therapist. Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy can help you understand what may be needed before your first visit.

Before your first appointment, you will receive digital intake forms by email or text, based on your preference. These forms must be completed before your evaluation. You will also be asked to upload a photo of your ID and insurance card. At your first visit, we will talk about what brings you to therapy, what activities are difficult for you, and what goals are most important to you. Your occupational therapy evaluation may include checking things like movement, strength, coordination, pain, and how well you are able to complete daily activities. After the evaluation, we will discuss the findings and create a treatment plan based on your needs and goals.

Every person is different, so there is no set amount of time that occupational therapy takes to work. Some people notice changes after just a few visits, while others may need several weeks or longer. How long therapy takes depends on your condition, your goals, how long the problem has been present, and how often you attend therapy. Your progress depends on how consistently you follow your home program. It is essential to work at home on your home program to maximize the benefits of occupational therapy. At Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy, your treatment plan will be based on your individual needs and goals. We will regularly look at your progress and adjust your treatment and home program as needed. What should I expect at my first appointment?

The number of occupational therapy sessions you need will depend on your condition, your goals, your progress, and how often you are able to attend therapy. Some people may only need a few visits, while others may benefit from several weeks or longer. Your therapist will monitor your progress and talk with you about how long therapy may be needed. Your home program also plays an important role. Working on your exercises and activities between visits can help you make progress and get the most benefit from occupational therapy.

Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy is in network with Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. We are out of network with Blue Care Network, Priority Health and Medicare Advantage plans. If you have an out-of-network plan, you will need to make sure your policy includes out-of-network occupational therapy benefits. Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy can complete a courtesy benefits check before your first visit, but this does not guarantee coverage or payment. For out-of-network services, we may be able to courtesy bill your insurance company on your behalf. We can also provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Because insurance plans vary, we encourage you to contact your insurance company to confirm your occupational therapy benefits and any out-of-network requirements. 

You may still be able to receive occupational therapy at Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy if you have out-of-network benefits or choose to pay privately. Before scheduling, we can complete a courtesy check of your out-of-network benefits. Because every insurance plan is different, you should also contact your insurance company to confirm your coverage, deductible, and reimbursement rules. For out-of-network services, Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy may be able to courtesy bill your insurance company for you. We can also provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. If your plan does not include out-of-network benefits, private-pay options are available. 

Yes. Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy can complete a courtesy check of your occupational therapy benefits and help you understand your coverage before your first visit. Please remember that insurance verification and claim submission are provided as a courtesy and do not guarantee payment. Your insurance company makes the final decision about coverage and reimbursement. Copays, deductibles, coinsurance, non-covered services, and any balance not paid by your insurance are the patient’s responsibility. We encourage you to review your plan and contact your insurance company with any questions about your coverage.

You can still receive occupational therapy at Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy. Private-pay options are available for patients who do not have insurance or who choose not to use insurance. We will review the cost of services with you before treatment begins so you know what to expect.

The cost of occupational therapy depends on whether you are using insurance or paying privately. If you are using insurance, your cost may include a copay, coinsurance, deductible, or other amount based on your plan. Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy can complete a courtesy benefits check before your first visit to help you understand what your insurance may cover. Please remember that insurance verification does not guarantee payment. If you are paying privately, we will review the cost of your evaluation and treatment with you before services begin so you know what to expect.

Yes. Please let us know when scheduling if your injury is work-related. Before treatment begins, we will need your date of injury, claim number, employer information, workers’ compensation insurance information, adjuster contact information, referral, and authorization for treatment.

Yes. Auto-related injury claims are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Please provide your date of injury, claim number, insurance company, adjuster or attorney contact information, and any required authorization. Coverage and payment are determined by your insurance carrier.

Before your first visit, you will receive digital intake forms by text or email, based on your preference. These forms must be completed before your evaluation and include uploading a photo of your ID and insurance card. Please also make sure you have a referral or prescription from your doctor before your first appointment.

Please bring your photo ID, insurance card, and doctor’s referral or prescription with you to your first visit, even if you already uploaded copies through the digital intake forms. It is also helpful to bring a list of your current medications and any braces, splints, adaptive equipment, or other items related to the problem you are being seen for. 

Wear comfortable clothing that allows your therapist to easily see and reach the area being treated. 

For shoulder or upper-arm treatment, a tank top or loose-fitting shirt is helpful. 

For elbow, wrist, or hand treatment, wear clothing with sleeves that can easily be rolled above the elbow. 

For neurological or stroke rehabilitation, wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes that allow you to move safely during therapy.

If you are unsure what to wear for your condition, just ask when scheduling your appointment.

Yes. Occupational therapy can help reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and improve how you use your hand and wrist during everyday activities. Treatment may include exercises, activity changes, education on wrist position, strengthening, stretching, nerve and tendon gliding, and recommendations for splints or other supports when appropriate. Your therapist may also look at how you use your hand at work, at home, or during hobbies to help reduce stress on the wrist. At Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy, treatment is based on your symptoms, daily activities, and goals.

Occupational therapy helps people regain skills needed for everyday life after a stroke. Treatment may focus on improving arm and hand use, strength, coordination, balance, thinking skills, and the ability to complete daily activities. Therapy may include practicing tasks such as dressing, writing, using the affected arm, and returning to hobbies or work. An occupational therapist may also teach new ways to complete activities, recommend adaptive equipment, and provide a home program to support continued progress. At Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy, stroke rehabilitation is based on your individual needs and goals, with a focus on improving independence and helping you return to the activities that matter most to you.

The timing depends on the type of surgery you had and your surgeon’s instructions. Some people begin occupational therapy within a few days after surgery, while others may need to wait longer. Your surgeon may give specific precautions about movement, lifting, or when therapy should begin. Occupational therapy can then focus on safely improving movement, reducing stiffness and swelling, rebuilding strength, and helping you return to daily activities. At Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy, treatment will follow your surgeon’s recommendations and be adjusted as you heal.

Yes. Occupational therapy can help you manage arthritis pain and make everyday activities easier. Treatment may include gentle exercises, strengthening, joint protection techniques, activity changes, and education on ways to reduce stress on painful joints. Your therapist may also recommend adaptive equipment or simple changes to how you complete tasks at home, work, or during hobbies. At Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy, treatment is based on your specific symptoms, daily activities, and goals, with a focus on helping you stay as active and independent as possible.

When you arrive, you will see the Viva Dance Co. entrance at the front of the building. 

Drive to the right side of the building and continue around to the back.

Look for the Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy reserved parking signs and park in one of the designated patient spaces.

The clinic entrance is the second door from the end of the building and is clearly marked with a welcome sign. 

Enter through that door, and Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy will be immediately to your right.

Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy is located at 355 S. Telegraph Road in Monroe, Michigan, inside the same building as Viva Dance Co.

Patients should drive around to the back of the building and use the clearly marked Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy entrance. The clinic is immediately to the right after entering.

Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy is open:

Monday: 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM,

afternoon by appointment only

Wednesday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM 

Thursday: 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM

Friday: By appointment only 

Appointments are scheduled in advance.

Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy treats adults and teens age 14 and older. For teens, treatment may focus on orthopedic conditions involving the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or hand. Each patient is evaluated individually to make sure occupational therapy is appropriate for their needs and goals.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact Functional Living Solutions Occupational Therapy as soon as possible. 

We understand that unexpected things happen, but regular attendance is important for making progress. Missed visits and frequent cancellations can slow your recovery. 

For added convenience, we have an automated phone service that allows you to cancel and reschedule appointments by phone, even before or after regular office hours. 

If you need to change an appointment, we will do our best to find another time that works for you.

Yes. If you do not show up for an appointment and do not give notice, you will be charged a $50 no-show fee.

Your first cancellation will not have a penalty. After that, cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice will also be charged a $50 fee. 

We understand that life happens and plans sometimes change. Regular attendance is important for making progress, and we plan our treatment sessions and clinic schedule around each appointment.