National Therapeutic Recreation Month
National Therapeutic Recreation Month or Recreational Therapy Month is held every February to raise awareness about the importance of recreational therapy (RT). Annually, it proves the importance of promoting and improving RT practices in the nation. Learn about this field and honor its practitioners in this post.
Why National Therapeutic Recreation Month Matters
Therapeutic Recreation, or recreational therapy, uses leisure activities to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Practitioners started gaining recognition after the Second World War. Since then, the field has evolved into a recognized profession with educational programs and certifications.
Today, recreation therapists work in long-term care facilities and community programs. It is now seen as a vital part of comprehensive health care. However, insurance coverage depends on your provider and situation.
Celebrate this month by advocating for more resources and policies supporting recreational therapy.
Types of Therapeutic Recreation
- Outdoor Therapeutic recreation includes hiking, camping, and canoeing. These activities can improve physical strength, social skills, and self-esteem.
- Art therapy and music therapy include painting, drawing, music, and dance. They help people express emotions, improve motor skills, and enhance cognitive abilities.
- Aquatic Therapy includes water-based exercises and activities that can help improve balance, coordination, and strength, benefiting people with physical disabilities.
- Animal-assisted therapy involves interacting with animals, such as horses (equine therapy) or dogs, assisting with emotional and social development. Animals can also provide therapy participants with a sense of calm, comfort, or motivation.
- Sports and games also help improve physical fitness, coordination, and teamwork skills. You can play traditional sports like basketball or unique games designed for therapeutic purposes.
Where to Find RT Services
- Explore personalized programs that support mental and physical health recovery at your local hospital's therapeutic recreation department.
- Check with community centers or your local parks department for recreational activities that enhance quality of life.
- Reach out to non-profit organizations focusing on health and wellness. They often offer or partner with agencies to provide therapeutic recreation services.
Brief Timeline of National Therapeutic Recreation Month
Hospitals began using recreation to improve the mental health and wellness of surviving World War II soldiers.
The National Therapeutic Recreation Society (NTRS) became a branch of the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA).
NTRS first celebrated the National Therapeutic Recreation Week on the second week of July. In the same year, a group of recreation therapists formed a new organization called the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA).
ATRA and the Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association (CTRA) expanded the event to a month. They declared February as the National Therapeutic Recreation Month.
National Therapeutic Recreation Month Hashtags
Promote RT on social media using the following hashtags:
- #TherapeuticRecreationMonth
- #RTMonth
- #RecreationTherapy
- #HealingThroughRecreation
- #RecreationTherapist
Conclusion
National Therapeutic Recreation Month celebrates the contributions of therapeutic recreation professionals who enhance people's quality of life despite illness or disability. Let us advocate for more RT resources to foster community healing and change.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Every February, this event aims to raise awareness about the benefits of recreational therapy for individuals with disabilities or illnesses.
It uses activities and interventions to enhance quality of life and improve a patient's health.
Join awareness events, volunteer at recreation programs, or donate to organizations that provide recreational therapy services. If you know one, thank and appreciate recreational therapists.
Anyone with disabilities, illnesses, or mental health conditions can benefit from recreational therapy.
Contact local recreation therapy programs, healthcare facilities, or national organizations promoting therapeutic recreation. Donate to organizations through recognized payment services with optional cookies to control your ad experience through an accounts center.
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
