Hippotherapy for Cerebral Palsy
Hippotherapy for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Hippotherapy, also referred to as horse riding therapy, is a regime designed to compliment traditional physical therapy in order to help CP patients stay enthusiastic and excited about their ongoing treatment.
What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy for children with cerebral palsy is an alternative treatment that utilizes the rhythmic gait of a horse to facilitate normal posture and improve sensory processing. The child learns to anticipate the movements of the horse and make the physical adjustments needed to maintain balance and stay upright.
A key advantage of hippotherapy is the child’s level of enthusiasm for interacting with a horse outdoors. This joyful activity makes a child more willing to participate in their therapy, which leads to improved functional outcomes. In addition to cerebral palsy, hippotherapy is used for children and adults with arthritis, multiple sclerosis, brain injuries, autism, and other neurological disorders.
How Hippotherapy Helps Children with Cerebral Palsy
Hippotherapy is performed under the supervision of a specially trained physical therapist or occupational therapist. A skilled horse trainer is also present to handle the animal and ensure the safety of the child. During a hippotherapy session, the child spends time on horseback while the animal is led at a slow pace. A pad is used instead of a saddle so that the child can clearly feel the horse’s movement. The therapist may place him in a variety of positions on the horse such as sitting or side-sitting. See an example of a child with cerebral palsy undergoing hippotherapy.
For children with cerebral palsy, the overall goal of hippotherapy is to improve the performance of functional motor tasks, such as walking. Hippotherapy can be combined with other forms of treatment such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy. The therapist combines the equine movement with other intervention strategies that address specific areas of function. Benefits of hippotherapy for a child with cerebral palsy include:
- Enhanced gross motor skills
- Improved balance, posture and coordination
- Improved strength and cardiovascular endurance
- Increased attention span
- Improved speech and communication skills
- Improved mobility
- Reduction spasticity and abnormal movement patterns
- Enhanced social skills
- Increased independence and self-esteem
Finding a Hippotherapy Program in Your Area
Hippotherapy is often covered by medical insurance. However, it may also incur an additional stable fee, which can vary from program to program. Your child may be able to qualify for a special scholarship that covers the extra cost of hippotherapy program fees.
Prior to starting on a hippotherapy program, your child should be evaluated by a trained professional to determine the appropriateness of this cerebral palsy treatment regimen.
The American Hippotherapy Association provides an online directory of hippotherapy programs across the country.
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