Hippotherapy
Hippotherapy is a treatment that uses the movement of the horse and purposeful activities while on the horse. The word Hippotherapy comes from the Greek word "hippos" which means horse.
Specially trained occupational therapist, physical therapist and speech therapist use this technique for clients as a tool to address impairments, functional limitations, cognitive delays, and disabilities with muscular dysfunction. Treatment takes place in a controlled environment where graded sensory input can elicit appropriate adaptive responses from the central nervous system. Specific riding skills are not taught (as in therapeutic riding), rather a foundation is established to improve neurological function and sensory processing. This foundation then can be generalized to a range of daily activities.
As far back as the 1600's, the physical and emotional aspects of equine-assisted therapy has been recognized as beneficial. The motions of a horse stimulates muscle tone in the client, while the relationship with the animal promotes a sense of empowerment and happiness in the rider.
The horse’s walk provides sensory input through movement, which is rhythmic and repetitive. The horses movement responses on the client is similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking.
The variations of the horse’s gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of sensory input to the client, then uses the movement in combination with other clinical treatments to achieve desired results. Clients respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable learning experience in a natural setting.
The horse’s walk provides sensory input through movement, which is rhythmic and repetitive. The horses movement responses on the client is similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking.
The variations of the horse’s gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of sensory input to the client, then uses the movement in combination with other clinical treatments to achieve desired results. Clients respond enthusiastically to this enjoyable learning experience in a natural setting.
