4. definition
Relaxation therapy is a
broad term used to
describe a number of
techniques that
promote stress reductio
n, the elimination of
tension throughout the
body, and a calm and
peaceful state of mind.
5. What is Relaxation Therapy?
During sleep, the mind can remain active, though the
rhythm is slower than that of the mind when awake. Have
you ever slept for a full night, but awoke still feeling tired?
When the mind is active, sleep is not always restful.
The aim of relaxation therapy is to quiet the mind; to allow
thoughts to flow in a smooth, level rhythm, and induce the
relaxation response. This mental quiet allows for rest and
rejuvenation that does not always occur, even during sleep.
Relaxation therapy does not attempt to empty the
mind, since it is not possible to think of nothing. In
relaxation, we focus the mind, and relax both mind and
body.
6. Purpose of relaxation therapy
Relaxation therapy techniques calm the body and
provide a natural cure for symptoms of
stress and anxiety by inducing the relaxation
response - the opposite of the body's stress response.
7. Easy Relaxation Techniques
Progressive Relaxation - progressively tensing and then
relaxing muscle groups - by progressive, I mean one muscle
group after another... the relaxation progresses through the
body. Passive progressive relaxation is the act of relaxing
muscles progressively without tensing them first. If you are
already very tense, this method might be best (tightening
up already-tight muscles can cause muscle cramping).
Physical Techniques - includes progressive muscle
relaxation; also stretching, yoga, tai chi, pilates and other
physical techniques.
Visualization - visualizing something for relaxation or
making positive changes, such as picturing in your mind a
relaxing scene.
8. Guided Imagery - the process of being guided through calming or
helpful mental images, such as calming scenes, the healing process, or
positive changes.
Autogenics - imagining that your limbs are warm and heavy, your
heart rate is slow and steady, and your forehead is cool.
Meditation - focusing the mind on a word, phrase, or idea and letting
go of other thoughts with an attitude of passive acceptance for
relaxation or making positive changes.
Sensory - experiencing or imagining the sensations of sight, sound,
smell, taste, and/or touch.
Deep breathing - breathing slowly and regularly and taking
sufficiently deep breaths.
Other methods - exercise, massage, hypnosis, self-hypnosis, crafts,
hobbies, dance, music, conscious mental rest, artwork, walking..... etc.
9. precautions
Relaxation techniques that involve special exercises or body
manipulation (massage and yoga )may not be suitable for individuals
with certain health conditions such as arthritis or fibromyalgia. These
individuals should consult with their healthcare professionals before
engaging in these therapies.
Biofeedback may be contraindicated (not recommended) in some
individuals who use a pacemaker or other implantable electrical
devices. These individuals should inform their therapist before starting
treatments, as certain types of biofeedback sensors have the potential
to interfere with their use.
Relaxation therapy may not be suitable for some unwilling patients.
Some relaxation therapies may also be inappropriate for cognitively
impaired individuals (e.g., patients with organic brain disease or
a traumatic brain injury) depending on their level of functioning.
11. DEFINITION
According to the American Therapeutic Recreation
Association (ATRA), Recreational Therapy means a
treatment service designed to restore, remediate and
rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and
independence in life activities, to promote health and
wellness as well as reduce or eliminate the activity
limitations and restrictions to participation in life
situations caused by an illness or disabling condition.[1]
Recreational Therapy may also be referred to as
Therapeutic Recreation or Recreation Therapy.
12. Recreation Therapy Process
Work
Referral to Recreation Therapy
The Recreation Therapist conducts an assessment of
patient's abilities, interests, needs, desires and identifies
barriers.
Patient goals are set based on assessment findings.
An intervention plan is designed to achieve goals and is
part of the overall treatment plan.
The Care Plan is put into action.
Progress is evaluated to determine how well a patient is
meeting their goals and to revise the plan, if necessary.
Follow-up.
13. What do Recreation Therapists Do
A Recreation Therapist utilizes a wide range of
treatment and community based interventions and
techniques to improve their client’s functioning in the
following domains:
Physical
Cognitive
Emotional
social
leisure needs of their clients
14. What do Recreation Therapists Do
Recreation Therapists assist clients in developing
skills, knowledge and behaviors for daily living and
community involvement.
The Therapist works with the client and their family
to incorporate specific interests and community
resources into therapy to achieve optimal outcomes
that transfer to their real life environment.
The Recreation Therapist restores remediate or
rehabilitate in order to improve functioning and
independence as well as reduce or eliminate the effects
of illness or disability.
15. Benefits of Recreation Therapy
Recreation Therapy plays an important part in both
patient recovery and enhancing quality of life. A
qualified Recreation Therapist can assist patients in
making leisure choices that are best suited to their
needs, interests and strengths. The benefits of
Recreation Therapy can be seen in many areas
including the physical, mental, social and cultural
domains.
16. Why is Recreation Therapy so
Important
Recreation Therapy
works to improve
individuals’ functioning
and keep them as active,
healthy and independent
as possible in their
chosen life pursuits.