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...
When can I walk normally after hip replacement?
Hi there, this is dependent on a number of factors. I'd highly recommend working with physical therapy if you haven't already. They will also be able to give you a better estimate following your evaluation. READ MORE
What is the treatment for an ankle sprain?
Hi, sorry about the ankle. I'd start with RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate. This should hopefully ease your symptoms; if it doesn't start to improve after a few days I'd see a doctor. Hope this helps! READ MORE
How long does it take to recover from a leg injury?
Hi there, this will depend on a number of factors. Can you tell me a little more about yourself and your condition? Thanks! READ MORE
What helps with a swollen ankle?
Hi, sorry about the ankle. I'd start with RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevate. This should hopefully ease your symptoms; if it doesn't start to improve after a few days I'd see a doctor. Hope this helps! READ MORE
Can I drink alcohol with heart palpitations?
I'd recommend taking a break from drinking alcohol and consulting with your medical provider. READ MORE
Can you help me with my wrist pain?
Can you pin point what triggered the rest pain? Have you tried anything to manage the pain at this point? I'd like some more information please. READ MORE
What type of treatment is best for shoulder blade pain?
Do you know what is causing this pain? READ MORE
When should you stop wearing an ankle brace?
I'd consult with your therapist. You may want to start conservatively and wean off it when walking on smooth and flat surfaces but continue to wear the brace if you will be walking on more uneven terrain until you're fully healed. READ MORE
What type of treatment is best for hip pain?
Do you know what triggered this pain? Is it new or something you've always dealt with? Does anything you do make it better or worse? READ MORE
What type of brace do you get after knee surgery?
This will depend on the knee surgery, I'd recommend consulting with your therapist (PT ideally). READ MORE
Is walking good for knee arthritis?
Being active is important but don't overdo it if you have arthritis. Listen to your body and don't push it. READ MORE
Can a chiropractor straighten my spine?
Regular chiropractic adjustments can help with spine health and alignment. READ MORE
Should I heat or ice my ankle?
If you just injured your ankle do RICE: Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate. READ MORE
Should I massage my ankle?
If you have a swollen ankle I'd do RICE: Rest, Ice, Compress, and Elevate. READ MORE
How can I quickly fix my shoulder pain?
It will depend on what it is you're dealing with--do you know the root of your pain? READ MORE
How can I fix a tennis elbow?
I would consult with an occupational therapist. They could give you manual therapy and exercises once you're out of the acute phase. The first step is to rest the affected arm; you may even benefit from a brace. READ MORE
Can physical therapy help back pain?
Yes, therapy can teach you positioning, stretches, and exercises to prevent and manage back pain. READ MORE
Can nerve damage be repaired with surgery?
Yes, it's not uncommon to treat nerve damage with surgery coupled by occupational therapy. READ MORE
What kind of cream can you use for hip pain?
What kind of pain are you experiencing? Some people find relief with over-the-counter creams such as Bengay, Tiger Balm, and Icy Hot. 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