Cristina R. Garcia, MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational Medicine
901 Town Center Dr Oxnard CA, 93036About
Cristina R. Garcia practices occupational therapy in Oxnard, CA. She works with older adults in a senior living community to improve quality of life through activities of daily living, group exercise classes, and healthy aging lectures. She also provides online health and wellness coaching which can be explored at OTYourLife.org. Cristina takes a holistic approach by examining how the person, environment, and activity are interconnected in promoting or hindering health and wellness.
Education and Training
USC Psychology 2019
CSUDH Occupational Therapy 2022
Provider Details
Cristina R. Garcia, MSOT, OTR/L's Expert Contributions
SMART Goal Setting
Not all goals are created equal. Follow the link below to learn more about how to set goals like an occupational therapist. https://www.otyourlife.org/blog/smart-goal-setting...
What is Occupational Therapy?
What is occupational therapy? Hint: it's not necessarily helping people find jobs. Follow the link below to read my blog. https://www.otyourlife.org/blog/what-is-occupational-therapy...
Sleep Hygiene
Sleep is a pillar of health; we need it to rest our body and mind and heal from injury and illness. Follow the link below to learn more on how to get the most out of you sleep. https://www.otyourlife.org/blog/sleep-hygiene...
Can acupuncture help with hand nerve pain?
Yes, some people find this helpful! READ MORE
Can you help with hand joint pain?
Yes occupational therapy, especially a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), can help with this! Any idea what caused the pain? Some people find ice or warm paraffin wax to be soothing. I'd consult with a therapist to see what would be best for you. READ MORE
How long is physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery?
It's not uncommon for someone to go therapy a couple of times a week for a month or two following rotator cuff surgery. There are many factors at play so I'd recommend you consult with your PT for a clearer timeline. READ MORE
Can you help with hand joint pain?
Yes, occupational therapy, especially a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) would be helpful with managing and preventing hand pain. READ MORE
Fixing stubborn trigger finger?
Hi there, I'm sorry to hear about your trigger finger. You may be a good candidate for surgery and would recommend getting a consultation. Good luck! READ MORE
Can you go to a chiropractor for low back pain?
Yes, low back pain is one of the most common conditions chiropractors treat READ MORE
Can you drink alcohol with Crohn's disease?
It is recommended to stop alcohol consumption when diagnosed with Crohn's disease. READ MORE
Can chiropractors help with sports injuries?
Yes READ MORE
Can chiropractors help with a dislocated shoulder?
Yes READ MORE
Do you need physiotherapy after hand surgery?
I'd recommend therapy, yes. Especially with a certified hand therapist (CHT); it is possible you may only need a few sessions and the therapist provides you with a home exercise program to perform on your own. READ MORE
Should I get a massage for neck pain?
Hi there, what is causing the pain? Do you have an injury? Is this acute or chronic pain? READ MORE
Can you treat shoulder impingement with exercises?
Once you're over the acute phase you can do exercises with therapy. This should be after you've rested the shoulder and reduced inflammation and are further along in the healing process. READ MORE
Can acupuncture help lower back pain?
This is an effective treatment for some people, yes! READ MORE
Air pollution?
Hi there, I understand your concern. There is research supporting that those who live near highways with a large volume of car exhaust are at a higher risk of developing chronic health conditions. I imagine airplanes would pose an even greater risk as they produce larger amounts of pollutants than cars. I suppose it would depend on how busy their airport is as well. READ MORE
Can ankle sprain be fixed with exercises?
I'd prioritize resting your ankle to let it fully heal before rehabilitating with exercise. Consult with a therapist or check with your doctor before getting cleared to exercise. READ MORE
Can you help with nerve damage?
Occupational therapy can certainly help you manage nerve damage. I'd consult with a CHT (Certified Hand Therapist). These occupational therapists have advanced certifications to treat conditions such as yours. READ MORE
Do you need general anesthesia for wrist surgery?
When I had my wrist surgery years ago, I was put under general anesthesia. READ MORE
How do you fix hand nerve pain?
I'd recommend consulting with an occupational therapist, preferably a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), to address your nerve pain. I'd approach the pain differently depending on the type of injury, nerve effected, etc. Can you describe what your pain is and what triggered it? READ MORE
What is the first-line treatment for an ankle sprain?
Hi there! RICE--Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate; hope this helps! READ MORE
How long after ankle surgery can I walk normally?
This will depend on a number of factors such as your age, baseline activity level, and post-op care. I'd recommend starting physical therapy if you haven't already. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Director of Rehabilitation EmpowerMe Wellness -
- Founder OTYourLife -
Professional Memberships
- Occupational Therapy Association of California
- American Occupational Therapy Association
Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors
- USC Latino Alumni Association
- Health Career Connection
Treatments
- Non-pharmacological rehabilitation
Internships
- Cottage Hospital of Santa BarbaraCalifornia Children's Services of Ventura County
What do you attribute your success to?
- Supportive community who encourage me personally, professionally, and spiritually.
Favorite Place to Vacation
- Someplace new! Ideally someplace where I can escape into nature for at least one day.
Hobbies / Sports
- Running, tennis, swimming--anything that is active and preferably outdoors in the sunshine.
Areas of research
Dementia Caregiver Burden
Cristina R. Garcia, MSOT, OTR/L's Practice location
Cristina R. Garcia, MSOT, OTR/L's reviews
Write ReviewMedia Releases
Get to know Occupational Therapist, Cristina R. Garcia, who serves patients in Oxnard, California.
Cristina is a vibrant individual driven by a profound passion for healthy living, self-improvement, and fostering meaningful connections with others. Currently serving as the Director of Rehabilitation at EmpowerMe Wellness, at Oakmont of Riverpark in Oxnard, California, she specializes in the older adult population. Her expertise extends across various realms, including acute care, outpatient pediatrics, and community mental health.
Hailing from the sunny landscapes of Southern California, her childhood was shaped by an active lifestyle immersed in sports, nature exploration, and the boundless creativity of play. As she transitioned into adulthood, her affinity for meaningful activities and creative endeavors persisted, guiding her towards a fulfilling career in occupational therapy (OT). Recognizing the intricate interplay between individual factors, environment, and occupation, she embarked on a journey to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Academically, Cristina attended the University of Southern California, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Occupational Science in 2019. Notably, in 2022, she received her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from California State University Dominguez Hills, navigating the challenges of a non-traditional graduate school experience amidst the global pandemic.
Remaining up to date in her field, she is an active member of the Occupational Therapy Association of California, and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Committed to the field of occupational therapy, Cristina created OTYourLife, a platform dedicated to supporting individuals, communities, and populations in unlocking their full health and wellness potential. Her belief in the synergy between these elements has become the cornerstone of her profession.
Occupational therapy is a unique practice under rehabilitation medicine, with close ties to physiatry and orthopedics, that combines physical, mental, emotional and vocational treatment techniques to maximize patient independence to achieve higher functionality.
On a more personal note, Cristina attributes her success to her supportive community who encouraged her personally, professionally, and spiritually. In her free time, she enjoys running, playing tennis, swimming, or anything that includes being active and enjoying the sunshine.
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Nearby Providers
- Dr. Richard Figueroa M.D.1901 Holser Walk Oxnard California 93036