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Recreational
therapists, also referred to as therapeutic recreation specialists, provide
treatment services and recreation activities for individuals with
disabilities or illnesses. Using a variety of techniques, including arts
and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and
community outings, therapists improve and maintain the physical, mental,
and emotional well-being of their clients. Therapists help individuals
reduce depression, stress, and anxiety; recover basic motor functioning and
reasoning abilities; build confidence; and socialize effectively so that
they can enjoy greater independence and reduce or eliminate the effects of
their illness or disability. In addition, therapists help people with
disabilities integrate into the community by teaching them how to use
community resources and recreational activities. Recreational therapists
are different from recreation workers, who organize recreational activities
primarily for enjoyment.
In acute health care settings, such as hospitals and
rehabilitation centers, recreational therapists treat and rehabilitate
individuals with specific health conditions, usually in conjunction or
collaboration with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, and
physical and occupational therapists. In long-term and residential care
facilities, recreational therapists use leisure activities -- especially
structured group programs -- to improve and maintain their clients' general
health and well-being. They also may provide interventions to prevent the
client from suffering further medical problems and complications.
Recreational therapists assess clients using information
from observations, medical records, standardized assessments, the medical
staff, the clients' families, and the clients themselves. They then develop
and carry out therapeutic interventions consistent with the clients' needs
and interests. For example, they may encourage clients who are isolated
from others or who have limited social skills to play games with others,
and they may teach right-handed people with right-side paralysis how to use
their unaffected left side to throw a ball or swing a racket. Recreational
therapists may instruct patients in relaxation techniques to reduce stress
and tension, stretching and limbering exercises, proper body mechanics for
participation in recreational activities, pacing and energy conservation
techniques, and team activities. As they work, therapists observe and
document a patient's participation, reactions, and progress.
Community-based recreational therapists may work in park and
recreation departments, special-education programs for school districts, or
assisted-living, adult day care, and substance abuse rehabilitation
centers. In these programs, therapists use interventions to develop
specific skills, while providing opportunities for exercise, mental stimulation,
creativity, and fun. Those few who work in schools help counselors,
teachers, and parents address the special needs of students, including
easing disabled students' transition into adult life.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
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