Recreation therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, helps Veterans with injuries, chronic illnesses, and disabling conditions through participation in recreation and other activity-based interventions.
When many of us hear the word “therapy,” we tend to think of doctor’s offices, hospitals or someone lying down on a couch talking to a therapist. But how many of us think about words like “sports” or “recreation” when combined with therapy?
Recreation therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, helps Veterans with injuries, chronic illnesses, and disabling conditions through participation in recreation and other activity-based interventions.
Learn more about recreation therapy and its benefits, as well as what resources are available to help you get started.
What Is Recreation Therapy?
Recreation therapy uses recreation and leisure instead of more traditional methods of therapy.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), recreation therapy uses recreation and a wide range of activities to develop skills, knowledge, and behaviors to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and leisure needs of Veterans with injuries, illnesses, and disabling conditions.
- Services are based upon the assessed needs and goals of each patient and are provided or supervised by a certified recreational therapist.
- Recreation therapy begins with a therapist completing an individualized assessment of your goals and interests. You may talk about what you want to accomplish from treatment and work together to create a treatment plan for your short- and long-term goals.
- Recreation therapy can be done in a variety of settings, including hospitals, assisted living facilities, mental health facilities, substance use programs, community centers, local parks, and more.
- Activities could include games, sports, dance, movement, community outings, gardening, exercise classes, yoga, and more – with a focus on activities you enjoy and skills you have an interest in learning.
- Therapists may try to involve family and community within your treatment plan so that you can continue the activities after your time in therapy is over.
- Recreation therapy can be useful for Veterans who have experienced various medical, cardiac, orthopedic, neuromuscular, and mental health conditions.
To learn more about recreation therapy, check out this VA news story describing one therapist’s approach to care.
What Are the Benefits of Recreation Therapy?
Because recreation therapy is based upon the unique needs of each patient, the benefits are also tailored to each patient and can include physical, emotional, social, and emotional health benefits.
Recreation therapy can support Veterans in many ways, including:
- Reducing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Increasing self-confidence, morale, and life satisfaction.
- Providing opportunities to interact and engage with others in a positive way, improving social confidence and communication skills.
- Offering a non-pharmacological approach to managing various medical or mental health issues such as anger management, pain management, stress management, and more.
- Improving ability to follow directions.
- Building self-esteem through meaningful engagement in enjoyable activities.
- Reducing activity limitations caused by illness or disability.
- Improving levels of functional independence.
- Improving balance, physical strength and flexibility.
This YouTube video from VA shares the story of a Veteran who explains how recreation therapy helped him manage PTSD, build his confidence, and more.
What Is Recreation Therapy Used to Treat?
Recreational therapists at VA are integral members of an interdisciplinary health care team. They use a variety of activities and techniques to improve the lives of Veterans facing psychological, physical, and other disabling conditions. Some examples of how Veterans may benefit from recreation therapy include health care areas such as:
- Amputation
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Chronic illness and pain management
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Mental health and PTSD
- Stroke recovery
- Musculoskeletal
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Visual impairment
- Geriatrics
- Neurological disorders
- Injury or surgery rehabilitation
- Cancer treatment
What Recreation Therapy Resources Are Available?
Veterans interested in recreation therapy should start by talking to their health care provider or contacting their local VA office. Recreation therapy is provided throughout the VA health care system (like this example of a recreation therapy program with VA North Texas). Many nonprofit organizations and community groups also offer recreation therapy programs.
Here are some resources to consider:
VA Recreation Therapy and Creative Arts Services – Learn more about VA’s Recreation Therapy and Creative Arts Services, including populations served, and much more.
VA Adaptive Sports and Arts – Programs and special events provide Veterans with opportunities for health and healing through adaptive sports and therapeutic art programs. Events include opportunities such as the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic, National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic and more.
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) – The WWP offers several programs and services designed to help Veterans take steps toward a healthier life. WWP offers modified athletic opportunities for Veterans through its Adaptive Sports program.
Move United – This organization offers more than 70 sports in communities across the country to people of all abilities to ensure equal access to sports and recreation.
Outward Bound for Veterans – Outward Bound offers wilderness courses, expeditions, and outdoor activities like kayaking, backpacking and rock climbing for Veterans.
With so many potential benefits, talk to your health care provider about recreation therapy and how it could benefit your journey to health and wellness.