Let's be real for a minute. No one ever knows what we do!
Honestly, if you asked me 5 years ago what a Recreation Therapist was, I probably would have given some BS answer, most likely incorrect.
And you know what; it's fine. I have come to accept that we are not well known or understood. We are the 'other' therapy that sits alone in the corner while all the other therapies (Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Therapy etc.) all sit and chit chat and get all of the praise. We are the black sheep of the therapy world. But we OWN that.
Don't know what we do? PLEASE SIT WHILE I ENLIGHTEN YOU! We (Recs) reach a peak of personal enjoyment (at least I do) when someone doesn't know or understand what we do. That is because we get to spend X amount of time promoting and educating others on the wonders of Recreation Therapy. We can spread the word and explain and share our passion.
I personally LOVE when people don't have a clue because I can sway them to the brilliant world of Recreation and Leisure. #ComeToTheDarkSide
But, it does kind of suck when you are at a gathering or something and introduce yourself as a Rec Therapist and everyone goes "Oh you play games." "Oh, you just play bingo all day with my grandma" Ummm NO. I don't JUST play Bingo.
I am still part of my alumni page for my first degree (Physical and Health Education) on social media. I came across a post a few weeks ago of a teacher asking graduates that are part of the allied health field that would be interested in being a guest speaker in her class. The teacher then posted a long list of allied health professionals. Guess which profession was not listed. DING DING DING you guessed it!
So I send her a message and explain what I do and how Recreation Therapy is a key role on an allied health team and explain how I would love the opportunity to talk to her class about the benefits of a Rec Therapist etc etc.
The class I may be speaking in front of (Pending a Faculty strike at the University): Musculoskeletal Assessment and Exercise Prescription
SURPRISE!! Recreation Therapists like myself work hand-in-hand with Physio and Occupational Therapists to work on physical abilities. I run an exercise program 45-60 minutes 5 days a week!! I need to be able to understand that this client has hip rotation limitations, while this client has a torn rotator cuff and needs limited or modified movements.
Moral of the story: don't assume because we are the black sheep of the therapy group that we still don't have good wool.
Recs are so useful. We are the 'other' therapy, but when we take the time to educate others and spread the word, we may not be the black sheep for long. We will rise up and rule the therapy world!!!! (Okay, that may be a little dark, but still...)
Updates on the guest speaker gig to follow.
-Stay weird RTs <3
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