Document: ADDIGEST_THERAPY_1ST_11-17-08_NOFOLIO6_B_T_6_42224;Page: 1;Trim size: (5.375 x 8.375 ");Plate: Composite;Date: 03 Nov, 2008 10:59:40
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Horseeofo f aaa
differentcolor
Apatient passes
ringstotherapist k
ryNontraditional therapies Teresa Keathley
ebat Morning Dove
cLarTherapeuticgive patients alift
:MRiding Center in
osZionsville. ot
By Lisa Munniksma Ph
barn probablyisthe is significant,prohibiting many medical
last placethatcomes to groups from taking full advantage of this
mind when considering nontraditional therapy. Rather than builda
an idealenvironment for center,somehealthcaresystems areteaming
therapy. Yetphysical, up with facilities that offerthese services.A
occupational, respiratory St.Vincent PediatricRehabilitation
andspeechand hearingtherapistsare seeing Center,for example, partners with Morning
theirpatientsthrivethere with thehelpofa Dove TherapeuticRidingCenterin
specialtool—the movement of ahorse. Zionsville to offerhippotherapytophysical
Hippotherapy is beingput to work in andoccupationaltherapy patients twodays
severalcenters in Indiana. Accordingto perweek.
theAmericanHippotherapyAssociation,
this tool canimprovepatients’ muscle tone, Thehorse as your partner
balance, posture, coordination, motor Horses used in hippotherapy canrange
developmentand emotionalwell-being. from dog-sizetomorethan6feettall.No
In each area of therapy, therapistscan matter theirsize, horsesare chosen for
integratetheir regularactivitieswiththe theirtemperament,patienceand ability to
barn environmentand thehorse’smotion handle thepressureofworkinginatherapy
andelevation,along with all thesensory environment.
stimulationthataccompanies them. Because of thedifference in size andbody
“The medicalcommunity is beginningto type, horsesmovedifferentlyand,therefore,
embraceit,”saidConnieLittle, director of aresuitedfor patients of different needs.
respiratorycarefor St.Francis Hospital & Jennifer Suba,apediatricphysical
Health Centers. therapist with St.Vincent Pediatric
Butthe costfor afacility andupkeep Continued on Page 9
6 INDIANATHERAPISTS QUARTERLY•FALL 2008
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