New Video Highlights Occupational Therapy At Walter Reed

Production By Military Practitioners Spotlights Service To Wounded Warriors

The Occupational Therapy Department at Walter Reed Army Medical Center has produced a 90 second video to showcase some of the many rehabilitation services that are provided to wounded soldiers. As advances in battlefield medicine save more soldiers' lives than ever before, the science of occupational therapy is providing rehabilitation that allows America's wounded warriors to return to full participation in life. The video is the latest educational tool that the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) is promoting in support of Occupational Therapy Month 2007.

"Critical work for our nation is being conducted by hundreds of therapists in Veterans Administration Hospitals, military facilities, private practices and community re-entry programs, says AOTA President M. Carolyn Baum PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA. "This video produced by the practitioners at Walter Reed will help focus attention on the important work being performed there, and the innovations in rehabilitation that will benefit all of society."

Military practitioners treat a wide array of injuries including combat stress, traumatic brain injury, amputations and poly-trauma. Much of this video focuses on the rehabilitation provided in a therapy setting at Walter Reed called Fort Independence. The home-like setting features a living room, bed, kitchen and bathroom. Here soldiers relearn how to do everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, home maintenance and cooking a meal. Re-learning those activities of daily living fosters independence.

"Occupational therapy must help our wounded warriors to recover, rehabilitate and live their lives to the fullest," adds Dr. Baum. "Community reintegration and enabling full participation will be critical to helping these individuals and their families rebuild their lives. We feel this new video will help raise public awareness of that important process."