Recreation and leisure

Engaging in recreational and leisure activities is important for people with spinal cord injuries and can promote positive mental health by enhancing self-esteem, creating hope, and fostering a sense of freedom and control.

The role of Leisure Therapy

Leisure Therapists are a valuable member of a person’s rehabilitation team and can help to restore, remediate, and rehabilitate a person’s level of functioning and independence in leisure activities, promote health and wellness, and reduce or eliminate the activity limitations and restrictions to participation in life following spinal cord injury.  

Leisure Therapy encompasses a range of evidence-based interventions designed to support a person in finding and engaging in meaningful activities. Some of these interventions include: 

• initial leisure assessments and goal setting to understand the person’s interests;
• developing personalised recreation programs;
• providing leisure education and awareness;
• supporting people to access leisure resources and opportunities;
• adapting activities or environments to facilitate participation;
• encouraging creative and expressive recreation;
• facilitating community integration through social activities;
• supporting access to adaptive equipment that enables leisure participation;
• teaching techniques for stress management and relaxation; and
• collaborating with a person’s family, friends, carers and multidisciplinary team to promote leisure engagement .

Addressing barriers to participation 

Leisure Therapists, or other appropriately trained health professionals, can assess personal preferences and explore options that a person may consider for recreational activities. They can also help to identify and address barriers to participation, such as: 

• Equipment adaptation: modifying or providing equipment that enables participation in desired activities. 
• Alternative engagement methods: finding different ways to engage in activities that align with a person’s abilities. 
• Planning and community options: assisting with planning for participation in community events or activities. 
• Financial barriers: identifying resources or funding options to support participation in leisure activities. 

By focusing on personalised interventions and addressing barriers to participation, leisure therapy promotes a more active and engaged lifestyle, contributing to improved quality of life after spinal cord injury