How Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists Use Functional Medicine Health Coaching

Are you a physical or occupational therapist interested in learning how becoming a health coach can level up your career? 

In a 2019 study, The Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal recognized the ease in which therapists could also be health coaches to help patients make lasting-lifestyle changes: “Among health care providers, physical therapists are situated to facilitate health behavior change in their patients. Physical therapists often provide patient education and prescribe physical activity and lifestyle changes to help mitigate the burden of disease. Physical therapists’ practice patterns allow for strong relationships and numerous opportunities for coaching to promote health. With additional training, physical therapists have the potential to use health coaching interventions to improve the health of the populations they serve.”

In a recent webcast, FMCA co-founder and former Chief Wellness Officer, Elyse Wagner, MS, CN, LMHCA explores how physical and occupational therapists can take their career to the next level by becoming a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC). Elyse interviews 3 Functional Medicine Certified Health Coaches (FMCHC), Jessica Schmidt, Jessica Masin and Theresa Freeman. 

Jennifer Schmidt, FMCHC, Recreation Therapist

Alberta, Canada | August 2020

Jennifer Schmidt is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, Recreation Therapist, and owner of Ignite Health Coaching and Wellness Inc. She graduated from FMCA in August of 2020.

Through her own experiences with depression and anxiety, Jennifer came to use recreation therapy on herself and began training for triathlons. Although the exercise was helping, something was missing, and she sought support through Functional Medicine to ensure her body and mind were in top shape to perform in athletics and life. Her positive experiences led Jennifer to study health coaching with FMCA, and she now combines health coaching and recreation therapy in her work with athletes to ensure a well-rounded lifestyle that supports training, competition and life. 

Jennifer very specifically combines health coaching and recreation therapy with athletes in several areas, including a triathlon program for adults recovering from addiction, and helping retiring athletes adjust to their new lifestyle. 

Jessica L. Masin, OTR/L, FMCHC

Lincoln, Nebraska | August 2021

Jessica Masin has 24+ years experience working in the medical community as an Occupational Therapist in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. She graduated from Creighton University Allied Health Dept for Occupational Therapy in 1997. She is currently completing the FMCA program on course to graduate at the end of August 2021. 

Through her own health journey and discovering the empowering transformation of Functional Medicine in her own life, she quickly turned the focus from herself to outside herself and asked what could be done to bring this to her community. She saw the best fit for her was being a professional ally with people who wanted to be well. 

FMCA has prepared her to apply the tools and knowledge of Functional Medicine and coaching in order to make a difference in guiding clients to discover their own unique strengths and abilities to make lasting change in their lives towards health and wellness. 

Jessica will be transitioning to a more membership-structured and community-based setting starting out in the cardiac population with the vision of expanding to other demographics. She plans to be a collaborative member of a team of health professionals and supportive staff to guide clients towards health and wellness, decrease burden on physicians, and bring a community together to create a culture of health and wellness.

Theresa Freeman, PT, LMT, FMCHC, NBC-HWC

Falmouth, Maine | January 2019

Theresa Freeman is a Nationally Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach and graduated from FMCA in January 2019. She also attended the Institute of Integrated Nutrition. Theresa is a licensed physical therapist and massage therapist, graduating from Northeastern University.  

Theresa has a private practice in Yarmouth. With 30+ years of experience, she works holistically with her clients in person and by tele-health. Treatment focus is for a variety of health & wellness issues including prevention, self care, inflammation and musculoskeletal issues of pain and/or injury.  

Besides working with people one-on-one, she runs women’s wellness workshops and community education programs for empowering people in personal health and wellness. 

Are you ready to start your own path to becoming a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, or have any questions? Schedule a call with our Admissions Team to learn more!

Learn More About Becoming a Functional Health Coach – Download Your Free Info Packet