Therapeutic Recreation for Parkinson’s
Every February since 1996, the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association has aimed to promote awareness of the advantages of therapeutic recreation. Since then, several other associations have followed suit.
What is Therapeutic Recreation?
Therapeutic recreation, also known as recreational therapy, is when a professional leads someone through recreation and other activity-based interventions that benefit psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being. Research supports the concept that people with active, satisfying lifestyles will be happier and healthier (ATRA, 2018). In other words, therapeutic recreation includes, but is not limited to, any type of structured activities specifically designed to benefit people with conditions that impact their overall health. By definition, this recreation is led or informed by a professional.
For someone with Parkinson’s disease (PD), therapeutic recreation may be as simple as taking dance classes, joining a painting group or playing badminton with friends. These activities aim to improve an individual’s functioning and keep them as active, healthy and independent as possible in their chosen life pursuits (ATRA, 2018).
What are the Benefits?
Therapeutic recreation can help individuals with chronic diseases, like Parkinson’s, restore motor skills and brain functioning through crafts, music, drama, dance and outdoor sports. Angie Kunnath from Home Care Assistance in Waterloo, Ontario identified four different ways that therapeutic recreation can help you or your loved one:
Enhances Physical Health
Therapeutic recreation can help you overcome physical challenges due to Parkinson’s disease. You can participate in activities that can help you remain physically fit, and the activities can be customized according to your needs and abilities at a particular time. Some examples include swimming, walking and seated exercises. These activities can increase:
- Balance
- Mobility
- Agility
- Joint flexibility
Increases Socialization
Isolation can lead to depression and loneliness, which makes individuals susceptible to heart disease, stroke, obesity and other health conditions. Therapeutic recreation can involve group activities that support belonging to a community and help build relationships with other people. By developing social skills through leisure activities, you can keep isolation and depression at bay.
Boosts Cognitive Function
Recreational therapists might work with people to restore cognitive functioning, which keeps the mind fit and active. By finding the right set of activities for you, a recreational therapist can help slow down cognitive decline. These activities help increase alertness, enhance problem-solving skills and keep the brain stimulated. Some therapeutic recreational activities that might enhance cognitive function include:
- Trivia games
- Painting
- Playing a musical instrument
Eliminates Stress
Therapeutic recreation can elevate your mood and emotional health by eliminating stress. By engaging in meaningful activities, you can develop a real sense of purpose in life. It can give you a positive way to manage your current health conditions, relationship/social concerns and other stressors. Whenever you become overwhelmed, you can use recreational therapy to boost your mood and maintain a stronger sense of self.
Therapeutic Recreation Programs Near You
To find a therapeutic recreation professional near you, try searching the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification directory online at: http://bit.ly/NCTRCdirectory
Sources
American Therapeutic Recreation Association [ATRA]. (2018). What is RT/TR? Retrieved from: https://www.atra-online.com/what/FAQ
Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association [CTRA]. (2018). Therapeutic Recreation. Retrieved from https://canadian-tr.org/about
Kunnath, Angie. (2017). 4 Benefits of Recreation Therapy for Seniors. Retrieved from https://www.homecareassistancewaterloo.ca/benefits-of-therapeutic-recreation-for-the-elderly
University of Waterloo. (2018). Therapeutic Recreation Awareness Month. Retrieved from https://uwaterloo.ca/recreationand-leisure-studies/events/therapeutic-recreation-awareness-month
This content was published in the February 2018 edition of our monthly support group newsletter, GroupLink. The content was accurate as of this publication date.