You may benefit from the skilled services of a rehabilitation team to help you recover fully.
One important member of that rehab team is your recreational therapist.
A recreational therapist is a healthcare professional who helps you maximize your physical and emotional health through recreational activities.
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Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is not a game.
Your recreational therapist will use activities to help you move better and feel better.
Activities may include doing puzzles and playing games, cooking, or outdoor activities like horseback riding or hiking.
This article will take a close look at recreational therapy and the many benefits it can offer.
It may help you determine if recreational therapy is a good rehab modality for you or a loved one.
The main goal of recreational therapy is to reducedepression and anxietyand to help you socialize comfortably in your community.
Therapeutic Recreation Activities Examples
Therapeutic recreation is not all about playing games.
It involves using specific activities to help you regain your independence in your community.
It also should be something you would want to do as an activity.
These professionals help people regain pain-freefunctional mobilityafter injury or illness.
A recreational therapist is similar to other types of therapists.
People with physical and psychological conditions may equally benefit from the skilled services of a recreational therapist.
Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning new treatment methods.
Does Recreational Therapy Work?
This is no different for recreational therapy.
The health improvements remained at three and six-month time points after the completion of the recreational therapy retreat.
This shows that therapeutic recreation may offer long-term significant emotional and psychological benefits to injured military service members.
Recreational Therapist Professional Background
So what does it take to become a professional recreational therapist?
Most therapists have a bachelor’s level degree in recreational therapy or leisure studies.
The focus of the workload during school will be on art, psychology, and music classes.
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Enrolling in Recreational Therapy
How does one get started receiving recreational therapy services?
They can ensure you are appropriate for services and may be able to help you find a therapist.
If you are in aninpatient hospital, a recreational therapist will likely spend time with you as some point.
The short answer: It depends.
If you are in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, therapeutic recreation is a covered rehabilitation service.
Each session should last about one to two hours.
In doing so, you’re free to interact socially in your community.
This is especially important if you are having mobility issues due to an injury, illness or chronic disability.
If you are interested in working with a recreational therapist, ask your healthcare professional for a referral.
Keep in mind that costs vary depending on your insurance coverage.
One professional who may be able to help you regain your emotional and functional well-being is a recreational therapist.
Working with a recreational therapist may be an important step in ensuring you are functioning optimally in your community.
Some activities you do with your recreational therapist may be based on your personal interest.
American Therapeutic Recreation Association.ATRA: about recreation therapy.
American Therapeutic Recreation Association.ATRA: who we are.
2018;5(1):1444330. doi:10.1080/23311908.2018.1444330
Hoss MAK.Recreational therapy workforce: an update.Am J of Rec Therapy.
2017;13(1):25. doi:10.5055/ajrt.2014.0063
