Play is most often associated with OTs working with a pediatric population, which is fair, since play is a critical component of child development. But I would argue that play is just as important for adults being treated by OT. We all know that the more people move, the more they can participate in life, and the happier and healthier that life will be.

Play means many things to many people. Play can be incorporated into therapy, supporting skills needed for ADLs and IADLs. One of my favorite IG sites is bewegen.is.leven. If you work with older adults, he posts the most creative and play filled ways to engage his patients. Leisure activities are another area OT incorporates play for adults. OT can support mobility for patients to engage in social activities and support the manual dexterity needed to play a game.

But I also think OT should play a big role in the world of adaptive sports for both pediatric and adult populations. OTs have a holistic understanding of their patients and as the generalist on the team often know more about the patient’s long term goals and what motivates them. OTs are also the experts at adapting the task, the approach to a task, or the equipment to use for a task to make a patient’s goal possible. Finally OTs are occupation centered and are in the best position to understand why a sport or play activity is a critical occupation for their patient.

This brings me to adaptive sports! All OTs should understand the ways sports can and have been adapted and be ready to support patients in their pursuit of one of these play based occupations.

Here are just a few examples, to get you excited about the possibilities for your patients.

Whiffle ball
Football
Bowling
Tennis
Skiing
Soccer
Basketball
Rugby
Hockey
Track And Field
Scuba Diving
Handball
Archery
Sailing
Canoeing
Climbing
Cycling
Golf
Dance
Horseback Riding
Fencing
Cross training
Fishing
Surfing