The healing power of magic

The goal is the same as traditional therapy, whether the client is working on rehab after an injury or accident or needs additional help in a special needs classroom. “It’s about planning and sequencing steps, it’s about directionality, it’s about fine motor dexterity, following simple directions, organizing tasks and movement,” Spencer said.
The only difference is that practicing a magic tricks over and over can be a lot more fun than playing with pegs.
“Everyone has this natural curiosity and inquisitiveness about magic, so that becomes really motivating for a client,” Spencer said. “And when you’re all done, you have this really awesome magic trick you can do, which is a powerful, powerful way to build self-esteem and confidence.”
Magic can be challenging. But patients – kids, especially – don’t think of it that way, Spencer said. It’s exciting.
“When you sit down with a child and teach them a magic trick and see them get it, see their face light up, that motivates them to take on more challenges in life,” Spencer said.
Magic tricks aren’t meant to replace traditional forms of therapy, Spencer said. “But it gives therapists another tool in their toolbox to choose from.” Just a couple of hours into the workshop,buy magic tricks china Cheryl Pruett, an occupational therapy assistant with the James Valley Educational Cooperative in Mitchell, said her mind was reeling with the possibilities magic presents.
“It’s so fascinating. I want to go back right now. I already know I want to try this with this student and try that with that student,” she said. “Magic will get their attention, and they’ll be more willing to try it.”
But magic isn’t just for kids. Vicki Binstock, an occupational therapist in Avera McKennan’s Rehabilitation Unit, said she can see magic being a great motivator for older patients, too.
“Grandparents will want to show their grandkids what they can do,” she said.
It’s also easy to see how the steps involved in completing a magic trick can carry over to daily living skills, Binstock said.
“You need those skills to be able to brush your hair,chinamagictricks.com to brush your teeth, to feed yourself,” she said. “It helps put the fun in therapy.”

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