When considering the variety of therapeutic approaches available to those looking to improve their quality of life, it is often difficult to distinguish between occupational therapy (OT) and recreational therapy (RT). Both disciplines employ enriching services that provide individuals with the tools necessary to gain greater control over their own lives. However, there are several differences between the two therapeutic approaches that should be noted.
OT is an evidence-based practice designed to assist individuals with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities to develop, improve, or maintain their abilities and quality of life. RT involves the use of physical, cognitive, and leisure activities to improve physical and mental health, regardless of age or disability. With these distinctions in mind, it is important to understand the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. This blog post will provide an overview of occupational therapy vs recreational therapy and its implications for individuals seeking to enhance their wellbeing.
What is recreational therapy?
Recreational therapy helps people with disabilities, illnesses, physical injuries, or psychological difficulties improve the quality of their lives by engaging them in recreational activities. Recreational therapy, also referred to as therapeutic recreation, encourages health and wellness while minimizing or eliminating any restrictions a patient might have regarding a particular activity. Patients can learn how to participate in activities they enjoy while experiencing less isolation through recreational therapy. This can also reduce depression, stress and anxiety. Lastly, recreation therapy can assist patients in gaining self-confidence and creating wholesome relationships.
What is occupational therapy?
People with a variety of health issues can fully participate in daily activities with the aid of occupational therapy. Occupational therapists frequently work with patients who have mental health issues, physical impairments, accidents, or other limitations to create a treatment plan that can aid in their development, restoration, or maintenance of the capacity to engage in fulfilling activities. Obtained through occupational therapy, patients’ independence and quality of life are to be increased.
Occupational therapy vs. recreational therapy
While occupational therapists and recreational therapists are both members of the allied health professions, and there are some areas where these therapeutic philosophies overlap, the methods they employ, the clients they serve, and the obligations they must fulfill differ. Some of the main distinctions between occupational therapy and recreational therapy are as follows:
Goal
Helping people with disabilities or motor impairments become more independent and enhance their general quality of life is the aim of occupational therapy. In order to aid their patients in the development, restoration, or maintenance of their motor and cognitive skills, occupational therapists may include routine occupational tasks in their treatment plans. They provide a holistic approach to therapy that is patient-focused.
Helping patients maintain or improve their emotional, social, and physical health is the aim of recreational therapy. In order to help patients, recreational therapists may incorporate activities that involve music, dance, theater, sports, arts and crafts, or participation in local events and outings.
Clients
Occupational therapists frequently assist people with physical or mental impairments. They can assist people at all stages of life, from assisting disabled children to fully participate in school to offering assistance to older adults who are undergoing cognitive or physical changes as they age.
Injuries, disabilities, psychological issues, or illnesses that prevent a client from engaging in recreational activities or forming deep social connections are among the many conditions that recreational therapists treat. They are capable of working with patients of all ages, including kids, teenagers, adults, and elderly patients. Additionally, recreational therapists may work with vulnerable children, people with developmental disabilities, or those who have suffered brain injuries.
Job duties
The following are just a few of the most typical tasks an occupational therapist might undertake:
The following are some of the most typical tasks a recreational therapist might complete:
Work environment
In order to accommodate their patients, occupational therapists typically put in 40 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends. In clinical settings like hospitals, outpatient treatment centers, and assisted living facilities, they frequently work Occupational therapists may collaborate closely with other physical therapy specialists. Additionally, they might collaborate with medical personnel with training in speech-language pathology, social work, audiology, psychology, and assistive technology.
The typical work week for recreational therapists is 40 hours, with some nights and weekends included. They frequently work in community health centers, nursing homes, rehab facilities, and private clinics. Institutions like parks and recreation departments, prisons, schools, and universities may also employ recreational therapists.
Salary
Education
Although some pursue a doctoral degree to advance in their careers, the majority of occupational therapists hold master’s degrees that have been approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE). Start by completing a master’s program in occupational therapy if you are interested in becoming an occupational therapist. This program provides both classroom instruction and supervised clinical work experience, and it typically lasts two to three years. You may decide to enroll in a doctoral program after earning your master’s degree. 24 weeks of supervised clinical work are part of the typical three- to four-year course of study for this.
A bachelor’s degree in art therapy, rehabilitation therapy, or recreational therapy is typically required for recreational therapists. Others enrol in graduate programs to earn a master’s degree in recreational therapy with a focus on a particular patient population, such as young children or senior citizens. As a relatively new profession, recreational therapy offers a variety of specialization options depending on your career objectives. Find undergraduate and graduate recreational therapy programs that fit your career interests using a search engine.
Certification
Occupational therapists must pass a written test given by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) in order to obtain their certification. Every three years, this certification must be renewed by participating in approved activities or taking continuing education courses. Occupational therapists must apply for licenses in every state, but the requirements can change from one state to the next. You can look up the license requirements for the state where you intend to practice using a search engine.
Despite the fact that you can work as a recreational therapist without obtaining additional certification, it may also depend on the laws in your state. The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) offers the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential, which is popular among recreational therapists. Having the certification can help you stand out to potential employers and give you an edge over other applicants. To make sure you have the most recent information, you can use a search engine to find out what the license requirements are in your particular state.
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Recreation Therapy | Brooks Rehabilitation
FAQ
What is the difference between recreational therapy and occupational therapy?
You can improve your daily life and community involvement by developing skills, knowledge, and behaviors through recreational therapy. Occupational therapy. Occupational therapists assist patients in learning new skills they once possessed but were unable to perform due to an illness, injury, or other condition.
What is the difference between a physical therapy and occupational therapy?
Physical therapy and occupational therapy are different in that a PT focuses on enhancing the patient’s ability to move their body, whereas an OT focuses on enhancing their capacity to carry out activities of daily living.
Is it worth being a recreational therapist?
According to Owl Guru, 87 percent of recreation therapists feel that their work is meaningful and improves the lives of others, and 73 percent of them report being satisfied with their jobs.
What are the cons of being a recreational therapist?
- Difficult patients. There are undoubtedly some patients who are simple to work with, but there are also some challenging patients.
- Difficult co-workers. Like in most professions, you might have to deal with challenging coworkers.
- Stress. …
- Physical demands. …
- Emotional strain.
