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• • strengthening
  • proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation - an advanced form of flexibility training that includes systematic stretching and contraction of targeted muscle groups.

Recreational Therapy

Because the recreational therapist promotes leisure activities that are pleasurable, they are often effective in motivating patients to work hard in rehabilitation. "Fun" activities can also be instrumental in helping the patient overcome fear of using the affected limb (kinesphobia). While focusing on the enjoyable activity, such as videogames, the patient "forgets" and begins to use the limb. The patient is also encouraged to make independent decisions about leisure activities and lifestyle modifications or changes which increase their sense of self-esteem and being in control of their lives. In addition, by coordinating with the occupational therapist and physical therapist, the recreational therapist can choose activities that augment the goals set for the patient.

Another role the recreational therapist plays in the rehabilitation of the patient with RSD is helping them become more involved in social and community activities. By practicing skills needed for activities the patient enjoys doing with friends or family, the recreational therapist helps motivate the patients to actively participate in their recovery.

Vocational Therapy

Vocational therapy is an important step in the rehabilitation process since it impacts strongly on the patient's health status and quality of life as well as how patients perceive themselves. It is often the last stage of therapy and serves to prepare the patient for return to the workplace - either to their former job or to a new job which will fit their skill level. This step is also important since relapse seems to be more likely when a person is inactive.

The role of the vocational therapist includes:

• Determining if the patient can successfully go back to their former place of employment or to assess skills that the patient should be working on to prepare for returning to their former workplace
• Determining if the work environment needs to be modified for the level of the patient's skills
• Investigating new employment opportunities that would be appropriate for the patient who cannot return to their former workplace. Sometimes the vocational therapist may visit the prospective workplace to identify modifications that need to be implemented so that the patient can once again be employed.

The vocational therapist may see the patient after they have been unemployed for an extended period of time due to RSD by which point, their self image, motivation to work, and motivation to recover may have suffered significantly. While coordinating with the physical therapist and occupational therapist, the vocational therapist can help the patient set realistic expectations regarding the opportunity for employment and can help them focus on acquiring the skills that will be needed in the workplace.

In addition, the vocational therapist may be helpful to the patient by explaining the steps they need to take to collect disability insurance, health insurance, and other governmental or legal claims which may need to be filed.