Feb 11, 2025 / Recreation Therapy
February is National Therapeutic Recreation Month!
And a perfect time to highlight the vital role that Recreation Therapists play in post-acute neurorehabilitation and supported living! Supporting the overall recovery journey of individuals with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries (SCI), and other complex conditions, Recreation Therapists play a key role as part of our interdisciplinary teams – helping our patients regain independence, improve quality of life, and reintegrate into their communities.
Focused on on restoring physical, cognitive, emotional, and social abilities through individualized, evidence-based activities Recreation Therapy is an integral part of functional recovery, mental health and wellness, and long-term success for patients recovering from catastrophic injuries.
Key Benefits of Recreation Therapy:
- Enhances cognitive and motor recovery by engaging the brain and body in meaningful activities that reinforce neuromuscular coordination, memory, and executive function.
- Reduces anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms through structured engagement in hobbies, adaptive sports, and social activities – improving overall emotional well-being.
- Helps patients regain confidence, independence, and social skills, preparing them to return to work, school, or daily life – promoting community integration.
- Prevents secondary health issues by encouraging physical activity, reducing stress, and providing adaptive coping strategies, reducing the risk of re-hospitalization and chronic conditions.
- Boosts patient motivation and participation through engaging activities which help increase therapy compliance, accelerate functional improvement, and support long-term rehabilitation goals.
- An interdisciplinary approach ensures that Recreation Therapy is seamlessly integrated into patient treatment plans alongside Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy and Neurobehavioral treatment.
Examples of Recreation Therapy in Action include:
- Adaptive Sports & Movement Therapy – Engaging patients in wheelchair basketball, yoga, adaptive cycling, and strength-building activities to enhance mobility and confidence.
- Community Re-Entry Programs – Guiding patients through real-world tasks like public transportation navigation, shopping, and social outings to regain independence.
- Music, Art, & Pet Therapy – Incorporating creative therapies to stimulate cognitive processing, reduce stress, and enhance emotional healing.
- Virtual & Outdoor Engagement – Using VR therapy, nature walks, gardening, and interactive games to help patients build resilience and improve sensory processing.
- Aquatic Therapy & Relaxation Techniques – Leveraging water-based rehabilitation and mindfulness exercises to support pain management and functional recovery.
Everyone deserves a meaningful life. Thanks to Recreation Therapists who play a significant and primary role on treatment teams, assisting patients in purposefully connecting and reconnecting to activities
that provide physical, cognitive and emotional well-being to their lives.
