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Recreation therapists work with other therapists to restore ability to people who have become disabled because of injury or illness. Sports and recreation play an important role in overall health, and recreation therapists introduce patients to new activities or get them started again with interests they had prior to disability. For people with disabilities, recreation is an end result of all therapies. Physical therapy works on strength; occupational therapy refines abilities and skills; speech therapy works on communication and problem-solving skills. Recreation therapy works on increasing strength and endurance, sharpening cognitive skills, and improving leisure lifestyle.
Activities include arts and crafts, creative hobbies, games, musical endeavors and sports programs. Equally important are outings to concerts, shows and community events. These trips introduce patients to new experiences and help them adjust to dealing with a disability in public.
Participants receive one-on-one instruction with an experienced player and videotaped lessons for form analysis.