Often, the best way for children to achieve these goals is through play. After Emilia Wroblewska's hip surgery, physical therapist Angela Caudill found the girl's hip muscles both tight and weak. She dreaded exercising. Angela sought the help of Melanie Bland, trained as both a recreation therapist and a child life therapist. Melanie suggested horseback riding, using Emelia's great love of animals to help her forget that she was actually opening her hips.
Recreational activities are an invigorating way of providing therapy for children.
Fresh experiences like horseback riding, rock climbing, scuba diving, sailing and kayaking can give children the motivation they need to complete the sometimes difficult task of getting well. Community recreation is something most all healthy children do. It may be harder to find opportunities for some children, but it's necessary for us to make our patients' lives as much like everyone else's as possible. We can give children a leisure pursuit that lasts a lifetime, that can foster a career. If you'd like to be notified when this Web site is updated, you can join our mailing list .