What is therapeutic recreation?

Therapeutic recreation is a process that uses play and recreation to improve the physical and emotional health of people who are physically handicapped, have cognitive disabilities, or social limitations to function independently. The purpose of this is to help achieve quality of life and health through meaningful activities, which are also recreational in nature. The difference between usual recreation and therapeutic recreation is that the latter needs to have healthcare professional supervision.

Studies suggest that children, older adults, and people recovering from injuries, disabilities, and emotional breakdown cope better when involved in play and recreational activities. Below, we list some of the most common recreation interventions that can be used to help develop one’s well-being.

Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy was used thousands of years ago by the Ancient Greeks and Romans, and, more recently, by Swiss monks to treat sickness and encourage relaxation. In Japan, it is widely believed that hot springs have medicinal effects.

The therapy is less painful when done in water, as it uses the resistance of water instead of weights. Warm water can also lessen the pain of aching joints and increase blood flow. This recreation is ideal for people with arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic back pain, foot/ankle/knee injuries, amputation, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and stroke.

Benefits:

• Improves flexibility
• Strengthens muscles
• Improves cardiovascular stamina
• Improves balance
• Enhances aerobic capacity
• Improves walk and mobility
• Reduces stress

Animal-Assisted Therapy

“A dog is a man’s best friend”. Time and time again this saying has been proven. Animal-assisted therapy uses trained animals to boost an individual’s physical and emotional well-being.

Research suggests that animal-assisted therapy makes people feel less abandoned and improves positive social well-being. It also helps reduce stress and blood pressure. Both children and adults can benefit from this type of recreation.

In general, children are attracted to animals, which then makes it easier for them to express themselves with people. Dogs and cats are often used to calm children who have experienced physical or mental abuse, patients undergoing difficult medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, and veterans who are struggling with the effect of wartime military service. Also, people with cerebral palsy, attention deficit disorder, severe depression and blindness can also benefit from this therapy.

Benefits:

• Improves self-esteem
• Reduces anxiety
• Promotes socialization
• Provides distraction
• Enhances trust
• Relaxation
• Calms the stress response

Horticulture

Horticulture is a type of recreation that uses gardening of plants to improve physical and mental health. Gardening is a great medium that can help everyone’s well-being regardless of age and health conditions. It develops patients’ social and practical skills, helping them to think on their own, thus, assisting them in solving problems and following directions.

The remedial benefits of garden environments have been recorded since ancient times, specifically in the 19th century. Dr Benjamin Rush, the father of American psychiatry, was first to record the positive effect of horticulture on those with mental illness. Since the late ’90s, gardening has been considered for not only treating mental illness but also a much wider range of diagnoses.

Horticulture is an ideal recreation for people with disabilities, such as blindness, and with physical and learning handicaps. Those recovering from heart disease and in the early stages of dementia can also benefit from this activity.

Benefits:

• Improves mental health
• Improves memory
• Improves social skills
• Reduces the feeling of isolation
• Helps find purpose again after a difficult time
• Develops initiative

Tai Chi Chuan

Tai chi, often called “meditation in motion”, is a slow and gentle Chinese martial art form originating in the 17th century, and mainly influenced by Taoist and Buddhist principles. There is an indication that this recreation has ways of treating and preventing many health problems.

Qi, and Yin and Yang are the foundation of this martial art. Tai chi is said to clear and release the proper flow of life force, known as “qi”, and promote the balance of Yin and Yang, the elements that make up the universe. This type of recreation can be easily learned by anyone, from children to the elderly. People with disabilities or recovering from surgery, or those suffering from arthritis or anxiety, can be a good fit for this type of recreation.

Benefits:

• Strengthens the muscles
• Improves flexibility
• Improves balance
• Helps aerobic conditioning
• Reduces stress
• Improves sleep patterns

Yoga

One of the most, if not the most, popular of “spiritual sports”, Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice or discipline which originated in ancient India, born over 5,000 years ago.

The word yoga itself means “union”, which is the joining together of the individual consciousness with the universal force. Yoga is a simple process of reversing the external flow of energy, which makes the mind become the center and capable of understanding the truth. By practicing this principle, we come to recognize our own self.

Yoga is ideal for kids, adults and elderly alike. Asthma, arthritis, hypertension, indigestion, polycystic ovaries, and autism are some of the diseases that yoga can lessen or cure.

Benefits:

• Increases flexibility
• Strengthens muscles
• Lowers blood sugar
• Reduces blood pressure
• Boosts self-confidence
• Reduces stress

Expressive Therapies

Expressive therapies use creative interventions that help an individual learn about his life’s journey, provide him with clarity and help with the healing process. These are not the customary art expressions; rather than focusing on the final product, its main goal is to emphasize the method of creation.

Expressive therapy is mostly incorporated in psychotherapy. Communication of thoughts and feelings is the essential part of the therapy in most situations. In all cases, these approaches stimulate mind responses to help people, regardless of age, experience both physical and emotional healthy well-being.

Expressive therapy includes:

• Art therapy: the use of visual arts materials, such as painting and drawing.

• Music therapy: the use of music to effect positive changes in someone; for example, sound healing.

• Drama therapy: the use of drama or theater that encourages an individual to tell his or her story to solve a problem.

• Dance therapy: the use of movement as a process to connect the mind and body.

People with post traumatic disorder, psychological problems, severe depression and cognitive diseases benefit the most from this kind of recreation.

Benefits:

• • Strengthens emotional IQ
  • Improves behavior
  • Promotes self-awareness
  • Relieves repressed emotions
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Improves learning ability