Soldier transforming into tree, symbolising recovery through occupational therapy

Healing Beyond the Battlefield: How Occupational Therapy Helps Military Personnel Thrive

Mira Elwood in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how personalized care, family support, and understanding military culture can transform recovery for service members with chronic conditions."

For military service members, the impact of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) can extend far beyond the initial diagnosis. While many acute symptoms resolve within a few months, a significant number of individuals experience persistent challenges that affect their daily lives. These chronic symptoms—including memory loss, irritability, headaches, and light sensitivity—can disrupt essential activities, from basic self-care to work, school, and leisure.

Occupational therapy (OT) offers a holistic approach to address these disruptions, focusing on helping individuals regain function and participate fully in meaningful activities. However, understanding what makes OT effective for military personnel with chronic mTBI requires looking beyond standard interventions and considering the unique experiences and perspectives of those who have served.

Recent research sheds light on the critical elements of OT that resonate with service members. By examining their perspectives alongside those of occupational therapists, we can gain valuable insights into creating more effective and personalized treatment plans that honor their military identity, foster strong therapeutic relationships, and involve family support.

The Power of Connection: Building a Strong Therapeutic Relationship

Soldier transforming into tree, symbolising recovery through occupational therapy

At the heart of successful occupational therapy lies the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the service member. This connection goes beyond simply administering treatments; it's about creating a safe, supportive, and understanding environment where individuals feel heard and valued. Service members consistently emphasize the importance of being treated as a person, not just a patient.

One of the most impactful aspects of this relationship is the sense of accountability and encouragement that therapists provide. Unlike passive approaches, OT actively challenges individuals to push their limits and achieve their goals. This supportive pressure, combined with genuine care, fosters a sense of trust and motivation that drives progress.

Genuine Interest: Therapists who take the time to understand the service member's needs and perspective create a stronger connection.
Accountability: Being challenged to push limits fosters motivation and progress.
Continuity of Care: Consistent communication and thorough record-keeping ensure a seamless experience, building trust and confidence.

Therapists recognize the importance of creating a comfortable and secure environment. Understanding the potential for hypervigilance among service members with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they strive to minimize disruptions and create a space where individuals feel safe to share their experiences and work towards recovery.

The Path Forward: Integrating Key Elements for Lasting Recovery

Occupational therapy offers a powerful pathway to recovery for military service members with chronic conditions. By prioritizing the therapeutic relationship, actively involving family members, and acknowledging the unique challenges of military culture, OT can help individuals rebuild their lives and thrive beyond their injuries. As research continues to illuminate the most effective approaches, it's essential to remember that the human connection remains at the heart of healing.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1177/1539449218813849, Alternate LINK

Title: Military Service Member Perspectives About Occupational Therapy Treatment In A Military Concussion Clinic

Subject: Occupational Therapy

Journal: OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health

Publisher: SAGE Publications

Authors: Alison M. Cogan, Janice Huang, Joyce Philip

Published: 2018-11-22

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is occupational therapy, and how does it help service members?

Occupational therapy (OT) is a form of healthcare that focuses on helping individuals, including military personnel, regain their ability to perform daily activities after an injury or illness. In the context provided, OT is specifically tailored to support service members dealing with chronic conditions resulting from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It's crucial because it addresses the disruptions in daily life caused by conditions like memory loss, irritability, and headaches, enabling service members to engage in essential activities such as self-care, work, and leisure.

What is the significance of the therapeutic relationship in occupational therapy?

The therapeutic relationship is the bond between the occupational therapist and the service member. Its importance lies in creating a safe, supportive, and understanding environment where individuals feel heard and valued. This connection goes beyond simple treatment administration. Key aspects include genuine interest from the therapist, accountability to encourage progress, and continuity of care to build trust. A strong therapeutic relationship is vital because it motivates the service member, fosters trust, and allows for the effective application of personalized treatment plans.

What are the effects of chronic mTBI on military personnel?

Chronic mTBI in military personnel can lead to persistent challenges, including memory loss, irritability, headaches, and light sensitivity. These symptoms disrupt essential activities like self-care, work, school, and leisure, significantly impacting the service member's quality of life. The lasting effects of mTBI require specialized interventions, making occupational therapy a crucial approach to address these disruptions.

Why is family support considered crucial in the context of occupational therapy for service members?

Family support is important as it strengthens the recovery process. When families are involved, they can provide a network of support and encouragement, which enhances the effectiveness of occupational therapy. This involvement facilitates the service member's journey toward recovery and enhances overall well-being by creating a comprehensive and supportive environment.

What are the most effective treatment strategies mentioned?

Effective treatment strategies include personalized care that respects military identity, strong therapeutic relationships, and family involvement. These elements are key because they help create a more effective and personalized treatment plan. This approach recognizes the unique experiences and perspectives of service members. By fostering trust, providing a supportive environment, and understanding military culture, occupational therapy can help service members rebuild their lives and thrive after injury.