Horses know how to treat a movement
Therapeutic horse riding (hippotherapy-in Greek, “horse treatment”) is an effective method of rehabilitation therapy. Hippotherapy is a physiotherapy treatment based on neurophysiology, using horse and horse riding.
Today, there are horse riding treatment centers in 45 countries.
Horses with suitable characteristics are selected for rehabilitation of patients.
The selection evaluates the calm peaceful nature of the horse, its ability to work with people, and a healthy balanced psyche.
Prescribed by therapists, performed with the assistance of physiotherapists who have received special education. This treatment method was recognized by the German physiotherapy Association (Deutsche Verband fur Physiotherapy – Zentriverband der Krankengymnasten).
The essence of the method is that the horse (hippos-Greek.) when walking, it acts as a therapeutic intermediary for the rider, transmitting motor impulses similar to the movement of a person when walking. The horse transmits 90 to 110 multidirectional motor impulses per minute to the patient. This motor effect causes a response from the patient, which helps the physiotherapist to correct the patient’s motor activity.
Based on the stimulation of reactions aimed at maintaining balance, the following tasks are solved:
normalization of muscle tone
coordination of movements
muscle strengthening
achieving motor symmetry
Treatment is applied to patients with the following symptoms:
disorders with spastic and hypotonic ataxic components, along with disorders of proper motor activity of the trunk, head, arms and legs. Coordination of the torso in the sitting position on the horse when it moves forward has a rehabilitative effect on the patient’s gait
it is prescribed for patients with neurological disorders of various etiologies. It is especially recommended for children with congenital brain disorders, post-traumatic, post-inflammatory and degenerative neurological symptoms, as well as adults with multiple sclerosis.
Indications for use:
Impaired posture
1st and 2nd degree scoliosis
Cerebral palsy: spastic, hemiparetic, atonic – astatic, hyperkinetic forms
Neuroses
Osteohondroz
Hypertension stage 1 and 2
Instability of the vertebral-motor column
Initial stages of osteoarthritis in the costal-vertebral joints
Hernias (if you are not concerned about clinical signs)
Ataxia
Autism
Aphasia
Hydrocephalus
Mental retardation
Vision loss
Blood diseases (leukemia, hemophilia, etc.)
Meningocele
Cystic fibrosis
Lack of limbs
Polio
Sclerosis
Hearing loss
Mild or moderate mental retardation
Hearing loss
Epilepsy in rare seizures
Contraindications:
Cardiovascular diseases. With arrhythmias, persistent extrasystoles can not be put on a horse, because there may be a deterioration in health to fainting
Complete atrioventricular block 4 degrees
Scoliosis of 3-4 degrees
Dislocations, subluxations, instability of the hip joints
Violation of intelligence (unmanageable violations)
Hypertension of the 3rd degree (when riding, internal hemorrhages are possible)
