National Therapeutic Recreation Month is observed in July to appreciate the works of recreation therapists. It also focuses on raising awareness of the importance of participating in activities that help people with disabilities recover and heal. Did you know that therapeutic recreation goes as far back as the 1850s with Florence Nightingale?

Therapeutic recreation is the use of leisure activities to promote the health, emotional wellbeing, skills, and abilities of people with illnesses or disabilities. Therapeutic recreation includes drama, music, arts and crafts, sports, dance and movement, as well as games. Therapeutic recreation is available in various settings, including hospitals, schools, community centers, and assisted living facilities.

It was started in the year 1984 by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society. Recreational therapy is potent for people with physical, emotional, or mental health issues. It helps strengthen their body. Also, rebuild their skills. Re-work their moods. Finally, boost their quality of life for their health and well-being.

A 2022 study by PubMed stated that 33 preschool children with autism spectrum disorder participated in a short program of 8 weeks that focused on a sports activity which is basketball. After, the students were confirmed to have acquired excellent outcomes at the end of the program. They had improved muscle strength, agility, social communication skills, and speed.

Utilizing the week’s best practices is fundamental in building a recreation therapy treatment plan. This will be based on the individual’s specific needs and symptoms, ensuring excellent outcomes from the recreational week holiday.

Several symptoms are suitable for recreational therapy for example, symptoms of recovering from a stroke. Rehabilitation from surgery. Illness, injury or anxiety, depression, or a substance use disorder, among others.

Here are some therapeutic rehabilitation activities:

Sports including exercises and yoga, dance and music, cooking and gardening. Similarly, arts and crafts, animal interactions, creative writing and many others. In doing the several activities, there are also some benefits to an individual’s well-being.

The day improves self-care by:

• Improving strength and physical fitness.
• Reducing stress and depression.
• Improving functional independence after an injury.
• Dealing with anxiety.
• Building confidence.
• Strengthening social connections.
• Enhancing self-esteem.
• Recovering basic motor functioning/reasoning.

Equally, organizations can celebrate National Therapeutic Recreation Week by promoting disability awareness through sports tournaments. Involving people with disabilities, taking a walk where people pair up with a loved one with a disability. In addition, holding a luncheon to learn to promote recreational ideas to team members. It brings awareness and encourages healthy movement.

At Philia Home Care, we acknowledge the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists prove to be an integral part of the making of a client’s treatment plan. Our caregivers can help play a role to promote these things as well. 

Embracing the day will increase the self-expression of clients and help improve the mind-body connection. Lastly, it builds self-esteem for clients suffering from disabilities.