We believe innovative services can be more effectively provided through a cooperative approach including a vast array of creative traditional and non-traditional programs. This approach requires collaboration and team work with parents, teachers, nurses, therapists, program assistants, education technicians, district personnel, community and other stakeholders.
Hippotherapy ~ an Example of an Innovative Therapy
Description and Principles:
Hippotherapy is a term that refers to the use of the movement of the horse as a tool by Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists to address impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities in patients with neuromuscular dysfunction. This tool is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes.
The classic principles of Hippotherapy are:
- The horse's movement promotes active responses in the patient;
- Variations in the horse's movement, as directed by the therapist, promote variations in the patient's responses;
- Hippotherapy promotes the development of problem solving skills as well as new strategies for balance and posture due to the constantly changing sensory input from the ever-changing environment;
- The rhythmic movement of the horse's pelvis mimics that of the human pelvis when walking with a 'normal' gait;
- Hippotherapy is a meaningful and motivating activity that improves attention, timing and coordination.
The difference between Therapeutic riding and Hippotherapy:
- The goal of therapeutic riding is for the rider to learn riding skills while improving physically and functionally;
- In Hippotherapy, we use the movement of the horse to influence the client in order to achieve therapeutic goals. The rider does not control the horse and we are not trying to reach riding skills.
One of our partners in delivering therapeutic riding services is Fulcrum Therapy. Fulcrum Therapy uses the horse to promote independence in people living with disabilities. We develop meaningful goals designed to elicit physical, cognitive, sensory and psycho-social benefits. Fundamentally, the movement of the horse challenges participants to develop improved balance and posture. In addition, the occupational therapist employs therapeutic activities for skill development beyond this basic foundation for action. Within the session, the therapist facilitates bonding between participants and their horses, recognizing that more can be achieved in therapy when motivated by their relationship with the horse.
For more information on Fulcrum Therapy, call Christina Richardson, OTR/L at (207) 459-4039 or visit her website at fulcrumtherapy.com.