Recreational therapistsRecreational therapists, also referred to as therapeutic recreation specialists, provide treatment services and recreation activities to 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 treat 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, as well as reduce or eliminate the effects of their illness or disability. In addition, therapists help integrate people with disabilities into the community by teaching them how to use community resources and recreational activities. Recreational therapists should not be confused with recreation and fitness workers, who organize recreational activities primarily for enjoyment. (Recreation and fitness workers are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.) In acute healthcare 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 related to illnesses and disabilities. Recreational therapists assess clients on the basis of information the therapists learn from standardized assessments, observations, medical records, 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, clients who are isolated from others or who have limited social skills may be encouraged to play games with others, and right-handed persons with right-side paralysis may be instructed in how to adapt to using 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 recreation activities, pacing and energy conservation techniques, and individual as well as team activities. In addition, 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 programs for older adults and people with disabilities. Included in the last group are programs and facilities such as assisted-living, adult daycare, 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. Although most therapists are employed in other areas, those who work in schools help counselors, teachers, and parents address the special needs of students, including easing disabled students� transition into adult life. Related news articles Brother comes long way for Thames - Oct 7, 2006 Detroit Free Press,Thames and Greer, 36, work together at a children's psychiatric hospital in Louisville, where Thames is recreational therapist. ... Senior council director resigns - Oct 5, 2006 Durham Herald Sun,Kathy Wright-Moore, a recreational therapist and concerned citizen who held several public meetings at the center after the problems there were made public ... Staff was wary about BPH policy - Oct 6, 2006 Brockville Recorder and Times,...the penitentiary. A recreational therapist at BPH, Bauman said she felt the conditions governing Delorme weren't strict enough. "I ... Siskin Hospital Celebrates Miraculous Recovery Of Jasper Woman - Sep 21, 2006 WDEF,Lisa Morgan, Recreational Therapist "The connections she has with each of them that comes in the door... They know that she's a special person. ... Kell starts his journey toward bariatric surgery - Sep 23, 2006 Quad-Cities Online,A physical therapist and recreational therapist will talk to the patient about exercise. "Exercise afterwards is required," Ms. Crooks said. ... Battle royale expected in Ward 4 election - Sep 29, 2006 Stoney Creek News,Mr. Banko. As a recreational therapist, he has seen too many times his clients unable to travel to their destinations, he said. He ... Aboard the buses from Harrisburg, a sense that their message was ... - Sep 27, 2006 Philadelphia Inquirer,Jackie Morrison, a recreational therapist from West Oak Lane, said, "With the number of people killed in Philadelphia over the last 10 years, we should have ... Molding a way to help build a stronger, vibrant community - Sep 30, 2006 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (subscription),As each bead string gets longer and longer, recreational therapist Patti Chones lets them know when each is just about long enough. ... Family turns from grief to helping the living - Sep 23, 2006 Cleveland Plain Dealer,..."All right. Babe Price!" cries Ralph Burton, recreational therapist and part-time fielder, backing up on the grass at the Brecksville VA Medical Center. ... Recycled politicians jam the campaign trail - Sep 24, 2006 Hamilton Spectator,Caught in the middle of this ward feud is recreational therapist Dave Banko, who is running for office for the first time because he "wants to make a difference ... Single-seater carts give disabled players a shot - Sep 14, 2006 Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil,...try out adaptive equipment and receive instruction from Bill Jacobsen, assistant golf pro at Shoreline, said Gena Munson, recreational therapist at Immanuel ... Nurse Sarah Christine Bowes started with relatively innocent ... - Sep 14, 2006 ChronicleHerald.ca,...anything unusual. Trudy Raadik was working as a recreational therapist when Bowes brought her a cup of coffee in June 2005. Raadik ... More information on Recreational therapists from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Recreational therapists occupation Number of Recreational therapists in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Recreational therapists Working conditions for Recreational therapists Significant points for Recreational therapists Training requirements for Recreational therapists Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |