Adaptive Sports & Therapeutic Recreation

Participating in recreation therapy or adaptive sports at Burke Rehabilitation can help you live a happier and healthier lifestyle. Whether you are in the hospital at Burke or living at home with a physical or cognitive limitation, Burke therapeutic recreation staff and partners in the communities we serve can help you participate in leisure time activities and sports.
Recreation Therapy for Hospitalized Patients
Recover your physical, cognitive, emotional, and social abilities more completely with Burke’s certified therapeutic recreation specialists (CTRS). Build skills for daily living while having fun doing so. Burke’s creative CTRSs adapt your interests into activities that prepare you for real-life situations, help you participate in the activities you enjoy independently, and help you meet your recovery goals.
Adaptive Programs at Burke
Expand your therapy program and abilities with these activities, which may be added to your regular therapy schedule by your treating physician:
- Cognitive Stimulation Therapy – make practical improvements and gain confidence after stroke or brain injury
- Complementary Therapy – indulge in visualization, aromatherapy, meditation
- Expressive Art Therapy – use different art media to express and release emotions
- Humor Therapy – enjoy laughter and humor for physical and emotional benefits
- Mindful Movement Therapy – get educated on mindfulness and movement to recover function
- Relaxation Therapy – learn stress management techniques
- Stretch Therapy – combine breath work with stretching to restore or maintain function
Activities for the Whole Family
Burke encourages your family and loved ones to participate in therapeutic recreation with you during visiting hours. Including the people you love helps you recover and provides educational opportunities for your family.
Community Activities
Rekindle your love of a particular sport or activity or discover something new. Physical and cognitive limitations are no barriers to sports and recreation with the proper modifications. Attend these seasonal programs at no cost to you:
- Bowling – share the fun with a like-minded group
- Golf – swing seated or standing with adaptive equipment
- Hand Cycling – take laps on Burke’s 1/8-mile track in the fresh air and sunshine
- Kayaking – enjoy views of the river and shore while building your upper body strength
- Rock Climbing – challenge yourself with indoor rock climbing
- Seated Yoga – improve flexibility and calm your mind
- Shadow Boxing – spar for a great workout
- Snow Skiing – take to the slopes with adaptive equipment
- Water Skiing – make a splash on the water with supportive partners
- Zumba Fitness via Zoom – get your heart pumping to lively music
See our Community Events calendar for a full listing of all events. Current Events Calendar JAN-MARCH 2026 [PDF]
Fill out our registration packet below to participate.
Community Adapted Events
Participate in Burke’s annual community events for people with and without disabilities. Look for information on these upcoming events:
- Burke Adaptive Sports Expo! – discover new technologies and sports adaptations to pursue your active and healthy lifestyle or new interests.
- Heels ‘N’ Wheels Road Race – run, walk, or hand cycle in a 5K loop around Burke’s neighborhood. Races for adults and kids
- Robie Pierce Regatta – Burke sponsors this event, hosted annually by nearby yacht clubs. Non-disabled sailors pair with people living