Recreational Therapists

Recreational therapists focus on personal, creative activities with patients – things like games, art, sports, and conversation ^[1]. Most of their work still needs human care. For example, while simple readings and paperwork might be partly handled by software (some clinics use AI to fill in charts or pull key details from records), therapists still do the planning and personal coaching themselves ^[2].

In fact, one survey found almost two-thirds of therapists had never used any AI tools at work, in part because suitable products aren’t common yet ^[2]. In therapy sessions, technology can help a bit (for example, motion sensors or “serious game” apps can track exercises), but computers haven’t replaced watching and encouraging a person in real time. As one study notes, learning a new tech tool often felt like “a lot of time and effort for a small benefit,” so most patient-care work is still done by the therapist ^[2] .

In short, today’s AI mostly assists therapists by speeding up routine tasks. Real treatment – building trust, adjusting a program on the fly, or cheering someone on – is still in human hands ^[1] .

New AI tools could help in recreation therapy, but they’ll probably be adopted slowly. One reason is cost and complexity. Buying and learning new devices (like VR games or smart sensors) can be expensive, and insurance or budgets for such gear are limited ^[2] .

A recent study found that high cost and lack of training were the top barriers for therapists to try AI at work ^[2]. Also, many therapy tasks are hands-on or emotional, so people are cautious. For example, therapists were hesitant to do all rehabilitation by video because it’s hard to adapt hands-on exercises online .