Mainstream Media's View of Occupational Therapy as a Profession



       As I was searching for an article regarding occupational therapy throughout mainstream media, I came across a recent article in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch regarding a 24-year old woman who was struck in the back of the neck by a stray round of bullets coming from a shooting suspect's assault rifle who was trying to shoot someone outside of an apartment complex. Collier was innocently doing laundry from the safety of her mother's apartment in downtown St. Louis, however this incident left her paralyzed from the neck down. The article highlighted the process of Gina Missel, Collier's occupational therapist, assessing what Collier was able to do independently and what areas of strength they would need to work on together. The article explained that Collier used a motorized wheelchair for mobility, however she was showing possible signs of nerve regeneration between her spinal cord and muscles due to pain spreading throughout her entire body. Missel applied electrical stimulation to Collier's specific muscles in order to release pain and initiate movement and also worked with her on self-feeding. Missel explained that even though Collier has a long road of recovery ahead, she is incredibly positive and strong and is determined to gain as much strength back as possible, considering her circumstances. She has already gained arm strength back in that she can lift her arm to her mouth to feed herself, shrug her shoulders, and feel her toes. Collier stated that her ultimate goal is to be able to walk in the door with her children one day.
       This article illustrated an incredible story, and I think it depicted the profession of OT in a very clear and encouraging fashion. It explained how Collier had goals that she wanted to achieve to become more independent than she currently is, and it explained what Missel was doing with her to lead to her achieve those goals. It also hinted at the meaningful relationship that is already beginning to form between Collier and Missel. And that is what OT is all about!

Below is the link to this article:
http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/progress-is-measured-in-new-twitches-for-st-louis-woman/article_e6d7ced5-b5bc-5a20-a4f2-d4649306dbd7.html

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