Occupational therapists aid during rehabilitation

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Katie Batchelder
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  For members of the Occupational Therapy Clinic at David Grant USAF Medical Center, patients with optimism are hard to come by.

Trainers and technicians in the OT clinic invest time and effort into each patient, coaching and providing optimism through rigorous rehabilitation programs that are often frustrating, painful and repetitive.

Occupational therapy, a hidden talent at DGMC, focuses on therapy for the job of living. The activities in OT can be low to high impact, and can range from activities such as tying shoes and shaving to simulating climbing a ladder.

Staff Sgt. Keillan Miller, 60th Medical Operations Squadron physical medicine technician, has learned that optimism is the key to healing.

"I have to constantly remind patients that they are going to get better," said Sergeant Miller. "It's a constant struggle to provide optimism, but it's so worth it in the end when we see success both mentally and physically in our patients."

On an average day, Sergeant Miller manages three to four technicians and oversees the care of 20 to 24 patients. Once, during a busy day, Sergeant Miller saw a total of 17 patients himself who each had a 30 to 45 minute rehabilitation session.

A patient can take anywhere from one to four months to heal based on their age, injury, patient participation and rehabilitation process. In March, the OT clinic saw more than 600 patients.

"I had an eye-opening experience when I realized how much my contributions affect the Air Force," said Sergeant Miller.

Sergeant Miller's hard work pays off in multitudes, and his patients' health proves his success.

One patient was an elderly woman who went to the OT clinic because of a broken wrist.
She was a piano player, and throughout her rehabilitation process, she thought she would never play piano again. Sergeant Miller lifted her spirits with words of optimism and coached her through the rehabilitation process until she was able to play again.

"Staff Sgt. Miller is an exceptional member of our team, and a rising superstar," said Senior Master Sgt. Laura Calloway, 60th MDOS physical therapy and occupational therapy flight superintendent. "His knowledge in anatomy and physiology as well as his ability to coach people through difficult times makes him one of our greatest assets."