Hippotherapy
Not to be confused with Hypnotherapy and having nothing to do with the Hippopotamus…
Hippotherapy comes form the Greek word “hippos”, which means horse. Hippotherapy is a medical treatment for clients with movement dysfunction, using the multi-dimensional movements of the horse.
Hippotherapy is effective because the human anatomy and the equine anatomy are similar. When a person is astride a horse and horse walks, the human pelvis moves just as though the person were walking. Simultaneously, you get movement in three planes - the forward and backward movements, the side to side movements and the rotational and linear forward movements.
Benefits of Hippotherapy
When used by specially trained Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, equine intervention and Hippotherapy can provide several major benefits to the client:
- Improved balance, posture, mobility and function
- Enhancement of the circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems
- Positive affects to psychological, cognitive, emotional and behavioral function and communication
Participants respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable learning experience in a safe, natural setting.
Who can use Hippotherapy?
Individuals who can benefit from this medical treatment have a variety of diagnoses.
Common examples include:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Developmental delays
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Stroke
- Autism
- Learning or language disabilities
- Trisome Twenty 21
Please keep in mind that Hippotherapy is not appropriate for every situation. Each individual must be evaluated by a specially trained health professional prior to approval for participation.
Hippotherapy sessions are always conducted with a licensed therapist at Stable Movements