Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Although the emphasis today is on preventive medicine, at the same time efforts are being
expanded in the development of therapeutic programs for the afflicted. Physical activity has been
found to have therapeutic values in many physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational
therapy, and dance therapy programs. Professionals are utilized to provide this type of therapy.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapists work with people who are at- tempting to accomplish such goals as rebuilding
their muscular strength, relearning to walk, or developing other skills. Physical therapists massage
body limbs, teach exercises, and use various types of equipment to strengthen muscles. A career
in physical therapy requires a 4 year college program and an internship. Physical therapy is
frequently recommended by physicians after surgery or after an accident. Physical therapy is a
well established fieid of endeavor.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapy is involved with evaluation and treatment as part of the rehabilitation process
of patients with physical and psychosocial dysfunctions. Basic principles and techniques used by
the occupational therapist are designed to accomplish such tasks as increase or maintain muscle
strength and improve coordination or joint motion. Also, they are concemed with such things as
perceptual motor and sensory retraining, activities of daily living, management of wheelchairs,
and work simplification. They are also concerned with the psychological and sociological aspects
of physical disability. They work as a part of a team of rehabilitation specialists who attempt to
provide the essential skills needed in various employment situations. They frequently use physical
activity in the therapy that they provide.
RECREATIONAL THERAPY
DANCE THERAPY
The use of dance has proved very helpful in alleviating physical, emotional, and social problems.
As a form of therapy it has received wide acceptance as a psychotherapeutic way for physical and
emotional expression. Through dance the patient has freedom of movement and is able to express
his or her feelings and gain a sense of identity. Dance therapy is one of the fast-growing, non-
teaching professions. It is used in such places as rehabilitation centers, psychiatric centers, geriatric
programs, hospitals, and programs for the mental retardation organizations. Dance therapy is used
with all segments of the population from very young to very old persons.
YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS
The Young Men's Hebrew Association (YMHA), Young Women's Hebrew Association (YWHA),
YMCA, YWCA, service organizations serve the people of various communities where they have
been established, both the young and adult population. Religious training was the main purpose
for forming many of these organizations. However, physical activities arc now an important part
of their programs. Classes in various physical activities; athletic leagues and contests for industries,
churches, young people 's groups, and boys' and girls' groups; and camping programs are a few of
the activities organized and administered by these voluntary agencies. The cost of financing such
organizations is usually met through membership dues, community fund raising drives, and
contributions of private individuals.
These organizations are designed to improve society physically, morally, mentally, and spiritually
through their programs of physical activity. An example of the extent to which these organizations
render services in this country and throughout the world can be seen in the YMCA. There are more
than 1,800 YMCAS in the United States and 120 in Canada, and the YMCA operates in more than
seventy countries. There are more than 7.5 million members in the YMCA and over 2 million
members in the YWCA. Approxi- mately 1,500 physical educators are employed by YMCAS in
the United States.
Usually these agencies have directors for the physical activities who have received specialized
training in their field. Many organizations have complete staffs of trained physical education
personnel who aid in the organization and administration of the programs. A typical physical
activity schedule of a YMCA is shown in Table 17-2.
There are many clubs and organizations for boys and girls that provide a setting for physical
education activities. Some organizations that fall in this group are the Boy Scouts, Boys' Brigades
of America, Girl Scouts, Campfire Girls, Big Brother and Big Sister Foundations, 4-H Clubs, Boys'
Clubs of America, Giris' Clubs of America, Roy Rangers of America, Hi-Y, Y-Teens, Red Shield
Clubs, Future Farmers of America, and Pioneer Youth of America. Some of these organizations
are international as well as national in scope. The extent of their membership is great. For example,
the Boys' Clubs of America have about 1,000 clubs, with over I million boys as members. Girls'
Clubs of America have more than 200,000 members. The Girl Scouts have about 536,000 adult
members and nearly 3 million girl members. In addition, girl scouting in the United States is
affiliated with the World Association of