LTR added hippotherapy to its program services in 2010. In hippotherapy physical,occupational therapists or speech-language pathologists use the movement of the horse as a treatment intervention for their patients and conduct the session. A PATH Intl. Certified Instructor is present as well. HPOT has been shown to improve balance, muscle tone, posture, coordination and emotional well-being.
Meet one of our HPOT participants on “Peppermint”!
“Hippotherapy: is a physical, occupational, or speech and language therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement. Hippotherapy literally means “treatment with the help of the horse” from the Greek word, “hippos” meaning horse. Specially trained physical and occupational therapists use this treatment for clients with movement dysfunction. In Hippotherapy, the horse influences the client rather than the client controlling the horse. The client is positioned on the horse and actively responds to his movement. The therapist directs the movement of the horse; analyzes the client’s responses; and adjusts the treatment accordingly. This strategy is used as part of an integrated treatment program to achieve functional outcomes.” (from the American Hippotherapy Association)
Please contact us at 703-771-2689, Ext. 6629 for more information.
