Physical, occupational or speech therapy in which hippo- therapy is utilized, is reimbursable by medical insurance (third party). Therapeutic riding is recreational horseback riding lessons adapted to individuals with disabilities .
Why is horse therapy called hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy consists of the words meaning “horse” “hippos”, and “treatment” “therapy” in ancient Greek . It is defined as equine-assisted treatment.
What are the benefits of hippotherapy?
- Enhancing balance and strength.
- Improved postural symmetry.
- Reduced abnormal muscle tone.
- Control of extremities.
- Trunk core strength.
- Improved gross motor skills.
- Increase Endurance.
- Respiratory control.
What is the concept of hippotherapy as it relates to horses and disabled humans?
The term hippotherapy refers to how occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of equine movement as a therapy tool to engage sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes ...
Does hippotherapy help autism?
Autism Hippotherapy has been shown to improve one’s balance, strength, and motor coordination . It has also been proven to be effective in promoting language, sensory regulation as well as improving social skills as students often form an emotional bond with the horses they ride on.
What are the different types of equine-assisted therapy?
- Therapeutic Horseback Riding. ...
- Hippotherapy. ...
- Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) ...
- Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) ...
- Less-Common Therapies.
What is hippotherapy the indications and effectiveness of hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy has been used to treat patients with neurological or other disabilities, such as autism, cerebral palsy, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, head injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, behavioral disorders and psychiatric disorders.
What is hippotherapy autism?
Hippotherapy is a horse-aided therapy . Horse movements provide motor and sensory inputs that are used in the treatment of conditions ranging from autism spectrum disorder and cerebral palsy to attention deficit disorder and developmental delays. The term hippotherapy comes from the Greek word “hippos” meaning horse.
What is hippotherapy in occupational therapy?
Hippotherapy is “ treatment with the help of the horse .” Occupational therapists and physical therapists use the movement of a horse to help children and adults. The term comes from the Greek word, “hippos,” which means horse.
How does hippotherapy help with speech?
Hippotherapy uses a horse to accomplish traditional speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing goals. Carefully modulated, rhythmic, balanced equine movement offers an effective means of addressing speech and language deficits through facilitation of the physiological systems that support speech and language function .
How does therapeutic horseback riding help cerebral palsy?
In a 2009 study, children with cerebral palsy were given 12 weeks of therapeutic horseback riding. Researchers observed a significant improvement in the children’s control of their head and trunk . The children also improved at reaching and targeting with their upper body.
How does hippotherapy help cerebral palsy?
Hippotherapy for patients with cerebral palsy essentially improves rhythm and movement, encourages step spacing (horses step with approximately the same frequency as humans), and promotes normal off-horse movement by training natural motor responses .
Are there any conditions that may be contraindicated for hippotherapy?
- Severe allergies to horse hair, dust, hay, the environment, etc.
- Behaviors that may cause a danger to the patient, animals, or staff.
- Extreme fear of the animals.
- History of animal abuse.
- Respiratory compromise.
When was hippotherapy created?
In the 1960’s therapeutic riding centers developed throughout Europe, Canada and the US. In the 1960’s the horse began to be viewed as an adjunct to physical therapy in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. This endeavor was called ‘hippotherapy’.
How horses help with physical therapy?
In simpler terms: through hippotherapy, specially-trained physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech/language pathologists apply the movement, rhythm, and repetition of the horse as a treatment strategy to help patients achieve therapeutic goals .
Is horseback riding good for autism?
Riding horses is fun, and even people with severe autism can do well at riding . Horses calm riders with autism, allowing them to focus, think and accept training. The desire to ride also allows us to encourage positive behaviors and gently discourage negative behaviors.
Can horses sense autism?
And, that’s what horses can teach us about interacting with children diagnosed with communication disorders like autism , Tourette’s Syndrome, cerebral palsy, ADHD and other challenges known to affect communication.
What makes a good therapy horse?
Desired traits include: soundness; three good, clear gaits at the walk, trot and canter; nice temperament; ability to tolerate attention by many people; low flight response; and a height of 14 hands to 16 hands in order to serve children and adult riders. HC: What training does my horse need to be a therapy horse?
What is horse therapy called?
Equine-assisted psychotherapy , also called equestrian therapy or horse therapy, is a type of experiential mental health treatment that involves a person in therapy interacting with horses.
Who benefits from equine therapy?
Certain equine-assisted therapies are effective for children with cerebral palsy, behavioral tics, motor control issues, and coordination problems, and for people of any age with reduced mobility . Research has found Equine Therapy to also be beneficial for those with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
What is aquatic therapy used for?
Aquatic therapy refers to exercises performed in water for relaxation, fitness, physical rehabilitation, and other therapeutic benefit . Exercise performed in the water can bring relief to those who suffer from various neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders.
How does equine therapy help anxiety?
Cognitive Therapy: This type of therapy is often used as a treatment for anxiety. Horses sense danger and respond with heightened awareness of their surroundings, oftentimes trying to flee if the situation seems too dangerous to them .
