 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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