Celebrating Occupational Therapy Month
April is Occupational Therapy Month — a time to recognize the incredible work occupational therapists do to help people move, recover, and live more independently. At HawkGrips, we’re proud to support OTs who are dedicated to advancing patient care through skilled hands-on treatment, movement-based interventions, and tools like instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM).
Today we’re highlighting Dr. Jim Wagner, OTD, OTR/L, CPAM, CSCS — a practicing occupational therapist, educator, and HawkGrips instructor whose passion for fitness and strength training has shaped his approach to rehab and patient care.
Meet Dr. Jim Wagner
A 30-Year Occupational Therapist with a Passion for Strength and Recovery
Jim brings three decades of clinical occupational therapy experience to the table — and he’s still just as passionate about helping patients today as when he started. A proud graduate of Keuka College, Jim went on to earn his post-professional clinical doctorate in OT with a focus in hand therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. He now leads an orthopedic upper extremity program, teaches at his alma mater, and continues to mentor clinicians across the country.
Jim has also been a competitive powerlifter and bodybuilder for over 37 years, with more than 30 competitions under his belt. It’s a passion he continues to pursue — and one he integrates into his clinical work. That unique blend of performance and rehabilitation helps him guide patients not just toward recovery, strength, and confidence.
When he’s not in the clinic or classroom, Jim enjoys diving into philosophy, theology, and biographies. His downtime often includes hitting the gym, spending time with family, and, when he gets the chance, sitting quietly by a campfire with a bourbon and a good cigar — his favorite way to recharge and find peace.
Why Occupational Therapy?
From an Unexpected Start to a 30-Year Calling
Jim didn’t always see himself becoming a clinician. In fact, academics weren’t his focus early on — he jokes that he “majored in powerlifting and cards” during college. But everything changed when he began working at a developmental center and got exposed to the world of allied health. That’s when he discovered occupational therapy — and something clicked.
Despite less-than-stellar grades, he was accepted into Keuka College’s OT program by Peter Talty, who saw potential in him to be a great therapist. That chance set the course for his career. Today, Jim leads a growing orthopedic hand and upper extremity program, teaches future clinicians, speaks at national conferences, and continues to guide patients toward better function and independence.
But even with decades of experience, the job isn’t always easy. “There are days I want to quit healthcare altogether,” he admits, citing the usual frustrations — bureaucracy, insurance red tape, over-documentation.
But then something happens: a patient finally gets relief, sleeps through the night, returns to work, or regains the ability to care for themselves or their family. “We change lives,” he says. “Knowing that one person I may help will cause a ripple effect of good for generations to come — that’s what keeps me coming back.”
Jim’s career is driven by a deep sense of purpose, and he sums it up simply: “My motto is love what you do, share what you learn.”
Jim’s Work with HawkGrips
Teaching, Learning, and Building a Community
Becoming a HawkGrips instructor is one of the professional opportunities Jim values most. As someone who thrives on continuous learning, teaching with HawkGrips has given him the chance to grow alongside other clinicians while sharing his knowledge in instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM).
“I always learn more than I teach,” Jim says. “Being a part of the HawkGrips family has allowed me to meet and learn from so many great people.”
His clinical background in hand therapy, combined with his strength and performance training, gives him a unique lens when it comes to IASTM and functional movement. Whether he’s in the clinic or teaching a HawkGrips course, he’s focused on helping clinicians use these tools effectively to improve outcomes, reduce strain, and empower patients to move better.
Jim teaches both virtual and in-person Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) courses and has also created several on-demand webinars for HawkGrips, including, "Therapeutic Cupping - Integration Into Practice,” "IASTM Interventions for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,” and "IASTM & the Management of Thumb CMC Osteoarthritis.”
Final Thoughts & OT Month Reflection
After 30 years of practice, Jim's motto of “love what you do, share what you learn” emphasizes the importance of passion and continuous learning in the field of OT. For him, OT isn’t just a career — it’s a calling to help people regain independence, mobility, and confidence in their lives.
At HawkGrips, we appreciate Jim for the expertise he brings to our community. His commitment to both his patients and fellow clinicians reflects the core of occupational therapy — helping people regain what matters most.
This National Occupational Therapy Month, take a moment to recognize the OTs in your life for their hard work and dedication. And if you're looking to expand your knowledge and enhance your practice, explore HawkGrips’ education resources and courses to support your professional growth.
A big thank you to Jim Wagner and all OTs for their ongoing contributions to improving lives through occupational therapy.