Hippotherapy — sources, health benefits at NaturalPedia.com
12/14/2017 / By Frances Bloomfield
Hippotherapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, is a type of physical, occupational, and speech therapy and treatment that involves the use of horses. The name “hippotherapy” is derived from “hippos”, the Greek word for “horse.”
The therapeutic value of horse riding was known of as far back as the time of the ancient Greeks. During this period, horses are said to have been used to treat incurable illnesses, and the Grecian physician Hippocrates himself has written about this topic. The current practice of hippotherapy can be traced to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria in the 1960s, where it was utilized as a complement to traditional physical therapy. Come the 1980s, American and Canadian therapists visited Germany to learn the basics and essentials of hippotherapy; though hippotherapy itself wouldn’t be formalized in the United States until 1992.
Hippotherapy differs from regular horseback riding in that it takes a neurophysiological approach to treating patients. As Marion Drache, chair of the executive board of the Zentrum für Therapeutisches Reiten Johannisberg e. V. explained to HealthLine.com: “It works by transmitting the three-dimensional movements generated by the horse’s slow gait (walk) to the patient.”
Andreas Gerber-Grote, director and dean of the ZHAW School of Health Professions, added: “It relaxes the people. Patients have to use balance while on a horse, which stimulates muscles and balance using different pathways.”
Health benefits of hippotherapy
Drache has looked into the potential benefits of hippotherapy for patients with multiple sclerosis, a nervous system disease that affects the spinal cord and brain. As part of their study, Drache and her colleagues recruited 70 adults with this condition and randomly divided the participants into two groups. The control group received standard multiple sclerosis care, while the intervention group underwent 12 weeks of hippotherapy in addition to standard care. By the end of the study, the members of the intervention group reported that they felt improvements in their balance, motor function, spasticity, and fatigue, all of which are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
In addition to multiple sclerosis, hippotherapy has been extensively used to treat children with autism. Patients with this condition will often have difficulties understanding social cues, finishing basic skills, and concentrating on tasks. A 2009 study has shown that hippotherapy can help autistic children develop numerous social skills, and improve their sensory seeking and sensitivity. Moreover, Special-Learning.com has noted that hippotherapy can further aid those with autism by:
- Boosting muscle strength
- Developing self-control and self-confidence
- Enhancing fine motor coordination
- Improving flexibility and posture
People with cerebral palsy or language disorders have reported improvements after undergoing hippotherapy, as well. In the case of those with severe leg or arm weakness, they were noted as having experienced positive changes to their bladder and bowel function, muscle stiffness, and overall mood.
Although helpful for those with neurological conditions, hippotherapy is not recommended for everyone. According to NeurologyCare.net, people with diabetes, heart disease, mild to moderate osteoporosis, and hip joint conditions should exercise extreme caution when in a hippotherapy session. Those with bone fractures, severe arthritis, spine instability, and herniated disks are advised against this type of therapy and should avoid it.
Body systems supported by hippotherapy
Individuals who wish to develop their fine and gross motor skills have the most to gain from hippotherapy, as do those with emotional or mental issues. Apart from autism, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis, horses have been used to help patients overcome their dependency on drugs and alcohol, and even post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD).
Where to learn more
- 4 Ways to Bond with Your Horse Using Equine Therapy
- How Natural Rehabilitation Centers Can Help You Heal
- Science Shows the Chemical Differences between Introverts and Extroverts
- Talking About Healthy Teen Stress Management Issues Early On
Summary
Hippotherapy is a type of animal-assisted therapy wherein horses serve as a healing medium. Unlike regular horseback riding which seeks to improve one’s riding skills, hippotherapy aims to treat mental or physical conditions, as well as emotional problems. Patients with multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy, autistic children, and even those with language disorders have been helped through hippotherapy.
This type of therapy isn’t suitable for all people, however. The biggest risk comes from falling off the horse, so people with bone fractures, severe arthritis, spine instability, and herniated disks shouldn’t undergo hippotherapy.
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