Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Hippotherapy

Scott and I recently started Sammy in Hippotherapy.

What is hippotherapy you say??? Hippotherapy is a treatment that uses the multidimensional movement of the horse; from the Greek word "hippos" which means horse. Specially trained physical, occupational and speech therapists use this medical treatment for clients who have movement dysfunction.

Why the Horse you say??? The horse's walk provides sensory input through movement which is variable, rhythmic and repetitive. The resultant movement responses in the client are similar to human movement patterns of the pelvis while walking. The variability of the horse's gait enables the therapist to grade the degree of sensory input to the client, then use this movement in combination with other clinical treatments to achieve desired results. Physically, hippotherapy can improve balance, posture, mobility and function. Hippotherapy may also affect psychological, cognitive, behavioral and communication functions for clients of all ages. Clients who may benefit from hippotherapy can have a variety of diagnoses: examples include Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Developmental Delay, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, Autism and Learning or Language Disabilities. However, hippotherapy is not for every client. Each potential client must be evaluated on an individual basis by specially trained health professionals.

And best of all its fun!!! I love horses I have been riding since I was about five and just adore it so to be able to engage Sam in an activity that I also love so much means a lot to me. Scott on the other hand... well let's just say that Scott doesn't like animals too much and he is also allergic to everything, but he's game for anything that will help Sam.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was great! Thanks for sharing that with us! I am smiling from ear to ear!

Love the tonsils too! :-)
Barb

Debbie said...

Soooo fun to see how different kids react to hippo. Amelia complained the whole time.

Sam looked great and I bet he slept great after!!!

As for Scott, I think you need to post his video to Booger...not Blogger :)

Anonymous said...

OK we love this for Sam, but tell Scott that we don't like people that don't like animals and pick their noses.
Love
Mom

Carrie said...

The funniest thing is that Scott doesn't even know what's on this video :)

mamamia said...

That is the cutest video - Sam is sitting so well on the horse - until he falls asleep ! :) It must relax him. I definitely want to try that for Mia...

Beth

Leanna said...

Carrie, I was cracking up...you saying 'why does he always fall asleep?'...Sam must have felt so comfy on the horse it lulled him to sleep.

I can't wait to put Cole on top of a horse...there is a place here that is only 1 mile from our house and free but he has to be 2 1/2.

p.s. You might want to let Scott know that no one wants to see his boogies...LOL.

Unknown said...

That is great that Sam loves his new type of therapy! Carrie-remember the best horseback riding experience you ever had? Let me remind you. In Costa Rica and I wouldn't get off of the horse. Or ride the first one.
Love ya,
Nicole S.