Functional Recovery in Occupational Therapy: Restoring Independence

For Andrea Rhodes, OTD, occupational therapy is about more than treatment. It's about helping people reclaim what makes their lives meaningful.

"I love building relationships with patients," she said. "No one has the same backstory. I enjoy digging their positivity out of them, finding what's meaningful to them and using that to keep them motivated."

Today, Rhodes practices at Advanced Physical Therapy in Wichita, Kansas, where she helps patients of all ages achieve functional recovery after injuries, surgeries and neurological conditions. From post-surgical hand therapy to pediatric sensory interventions, every session is designed to restore confidence and independence.

Discovering a Passion for Functional Recovery

Rhodes' journey toward occupational therapy began in childhood. Surrounded by family members who were OTs, she was drawn to the creativity and purpose of the profession.

"I remember going to my aunt's house. She was a school-based OT, and she had all these board games and toys," she recalled. "I thought, what kind of job lets you play for a living? That's what first sparked my interest."

Her passion for functional recovery deepened when she saw how therapy helped people rebuild daily skills. "When I first observed OT sessions, everything looked so purposeful," she said. "Patients weren't just doing exercises. They were practicing real-life tasks like opening jars or writing again. You could see the progress happening in real time."

Earning a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Degree

To reach her professional goals, Rhodes pursued her doctor of occupational therapy degree at Creighton University.

"I wanted to practice at the top of my license," she said. "Having the OTD gives me confidence to pursue advanced certifications and provide the best care possible."

Creighton's hybrid occupational therapy program also exposed her to diverse learning experiences. "Our cohort had students in Omaha and Alaska, and when we came together for labs, it felt seamless," she said. "That flexibility mirrors what makes OT special: meeting people where they are."

Practicing Occupational Therapy Across the Lifespan

In her outpatient practice, Rhodes treats patients ranging from infants to older adults. Her caseload includes hand therapy, orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation, and pediatric interventions that address sensory processing and emotional regulation.

"I've seen babies just a few days old with brachial plexus injuries, and I've treated patients in their 90s," she said. "No diagnosis or person is ever the same. That's what keeps things interesting."

Her approach to functional recovery centers on adapting therapy to real life. Whether she's fabricating a custom splint or helping a stroke survivor relearn fine motor control, every treatment plan ties back to what matters most to the patient.

"Our goal is always to help people return to the activities that make them who they are," she said.

Redefining What Occupational Therapy Can Do

Rhodes wants others to see occupational therapy as a profession that's both versatile and deeply human.

"There's a huge misconception that OT is just about helping people with bathing or dressing," she said. "Those are important, but our scope is so much broader. Anything functional, we can treat, from pain management to fine motor recovery to emotional regulation."

She also views advocacy as part of her daily work. "I'm naturally introverted, but OT has helped me grow," she said. "I connect with people and advocate for them, especially when they've been told nothing can be done. Therapy can truly change lives."

Advice for Future Occupational Therapists

For students considering occupational therapy as a career, Rhodes encourages exploration and courage.

"Shadow as many different settings as you can: pediatrics, outpatient, home health, inpatient," she said. "You never know what you'll love until you experience it."

When choosing a program, she advises focusing on quality and outcomes. "Look at the board pass rate, the school's mission and how they support their students," she said. "Don't let cost alone be the deciding factor."

For Rhodes, success in OT comes down to one principle: "Be curious, be compassionate and always focus on function. That's where recovery happens."