DOWNEY - Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center this week celebrates Recreation Therapy Week.Rancho's recreation therapists, who are considered among the best in the world, employ many innovative methods to help improve the physical, cognitive, emotional and social function of patients, as and to enhance patient self-esteem. Rancho tecreation therapists involve patients in many activities to help achieve patient-driven goals and community reintegration. These include leisure skills development, creative expression, sensory stimulation, relaxation/guided imagery, play/development skills, aquatic therapy, animal-assisted therapy, adaptive sports, special events, and leisure education. Congratulations to Rancho's recreation therapists for the huge positive impact they have on patients' lives. -Greg Waskul, Rancho Los Amigos Foundation

********** Published: July 14, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 13