When Therapy Meets A Wild White Water Adventure!

Six Craig Hospital patients geared up for a day on the water, rafting down Brown’s Canyon in beautiful Buena Vista, Colorado! Our Therapeutic Recreation team members and guides from Performance Tours Rafting prepped our patients for this adrenaline filled activity. White water rafting is a chance for patients to do something adventuresome and feel good about experiencing the outdoors.

Some patients had gone rafting prior to their injury, while for other’s this was their first time down the rapids. Everyone’s spirits were high and it was a great opportunity to exercise trust in other people, letting go, and going with the flow.

One of the great aspects of this activity is that it doubles as therapy. Patients learn how to maneuver back and forth and are able to work on balance and strength for weight shifts.

Our therapists were hands-on throughout the entire trip. As they cruised down the rapids they were hanging onto their patients, making sure they were comfortable and felt secure. If a patient goes in the water, they are trained to follow right after them.

“To be at a hospital that allows us to go out and enjoy this is and go down the rapids is an unbelievable experience.”