Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month with Insights from OakBend’s Expert, Kambri Wheeler

April marks a special time in the healthcare calendar—it’s Occupational Therapy Month. This is a period dedicated to recognizing the significant impact occupational therapists like Kambri Wheeler have on improving patients’ quality of life. At OakBend Medical Center, we take pride in the exceptional services provided by our professionals who ensure care and compassion are at the forefront of their practice.

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation. The primary goal of OT is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Kambri Wheeler, an esteemed occupational therapist at OakBend, emphasizes that occupational therapy involves more than just addressing a job or vocation. According to the World Federation of Occupational Therapists, the term “occupations” refers to various day-to-day activities that are essential for meaningful and satisfying lives, which include personal care, work, and leisure activities.

The Role of an Occupational Therapist

At OakBend, occupational therapists work across various settings. Kambri shares her experience working at both the Jackson Street Hospital and our Therapy New Territory clinic, where she and her colleagues assist patients ranging from those with developmental disabilities in schools to elderly patients in hospitals striving to regain their independence in daily tasks.

Occupational therapy covers a broad spectrum, from helping children develop the skills necessary to perform in school, such as tying shoes or managing emotions, to aiding adults recover the ability to perform essential activities after an injury or illness. For instance, OTs help patients recover or develop skills needed for cooking, doing laundry, and engaging in hobbies like golf or knitting. This comprehensive approach is vital, as occupational therapy helps integrate injured or disabled individuals back into all aspects of their lives.

How Occupational Therapy Makes a Difference

The benefits of occupational therapy are well-documented. Research shows that occupational therapy significantly improves recovery and enhances the quality of life by reducing physical and emotional pain, decreasing incidence of re-hospitalization, and improving patients’ abilities to perform daily tasks. A study from the American Occupational Therapy Association highlights the critical role occupational therapists play in helping patients regain their independence after incidents such as strokes or accidents.

OakBend’s Commitment to Occupational Therapy

At OakBend Medical Center, our outpatient occupational therapy services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. Whether dealing with an upper extremity orthopedic injury or a neurological condition like a stroke or spinal cord injury, our therapists are equipped with the knowledge and empathy required to assist patients through their recovery journey.

As Kambri Wheeler passionately states, “Each evaluation or treatment session is individualized and catered to the wants and needs of the patient.” This personalized approach ensures that all therapy goals and interventions are focused on enabling patients to achieve the highest level of functionality and independence.

Getting Started with Occupational Therapy at OakBend

Recognizing the need for occupational therapy is the first step towards recovery. If you or a loved one could benefit from occupational therapy, we encourage you to reach out. A simple referral from your doctor can set you on the path to recovery.

Call our OakBend Therapy Jackson Street location at (281) 341-2874 to get started. For more information about our services and locations, please visit our OakBend Physical Therapy page.

Celebrate OT Month by Spreading Awareness

Occupational Therapy Month is not only about appreciating the hard work and dedication of occupational therapists like Kambri Wheeler but also about spreading awareness of how much occupational therapy can help improve lives. Let’s use this month to educate others about the importance of occupational health and how it can bring meaningful change to many lives.

If you feel that you could benefit from occupational therapy services, you can call our OakBend Therapy Jackson Street location at (281) 341-2874, and they will be able to point you in the right direction and help you get started. Visit us online for more information.

Happy OT Month!