Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy refers to the use of equine movement as a treatment modality by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists to address impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in
patients with developmental delays or neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction.
Why Hippotherapy?
- Provides highly organized motor and sensory input that is passed from the equine to the patient
- The horse’s movement is rhythmic, consistent and sustained over time while promoting active responses in the patient.
- Hippotherapy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes.
- Licensed therapists engage the patient in activities on the horse that are enjoyable and challenging.
- In the controlled hippotherapy environment, the therapist modifies the horse’s movement and carefully grades sensory input, establishing a foundation for improved neurologic function and sensory processing.
- This foundation can be generalized to a wide range of daily activities, making the horse a valuable therapeutic tool for rehabilitation
Who benefits from Hippotherapy?
- Children or adults who have developmental delays, autism, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological disorders.