Emma Lean, an American Hippotherapy Association Clinical Specialist, PATH Intl. Therapist, Riding Instructor, and Director of Operations at Joyride Center, discusses how using the Miracolt has enhanced hippotherapy practices over the past couple years at their clinic in Magnolia, Texas.
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This is also known as Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT), and it includes treatment using equine activities to promote physical, occupational, or emotional growth for people suffering from various disorders. Equine therapy is more about addressing an individual’s mental health, and it leaves the physical focus to hippotherapy. Equine therapy is said to be helpful for people with dementia, ADHD, anxiety, depression, or developmental delays.
Both types of horseback riding therapy benefit the participant. The differences between hippotherapy and equine therapy go to show how encompassing these movements and practices can be in different ways using similar techniques. Chariot Innovations has harnessed many of the benefits of this therapy to create the MiraColt machine, which allows individuals to complete horseback riding treatment from a controlled environment, such as a therapy office. The beginning stages of both equine therapy and hippotherapy can be difficult. Having more control over the environment and being able to mentally, emotionally, and physically support an individual during the process can be incredibly advantageous in seeing results over a short period of time.
For someone who is experiencing a stroke, there could be a range of warning signs. Understanding what’s happening when you detect them will help the patient to be treated faster, leading to a better chance of recovery. These are some of the warning signs of a stroke:
If any of these signs are occurring, it’s time to seek medical attention. Even if the symptoms come and go or subside altogether, emergency services should be contacted immediately. The longer you wait for treatment, the greater the potential for disability and brain damage following a stroke.
Making yourself aware of possible risk factors that could cause a stroke will help you avoid certain behaviors that increase the likelihood of a stroke. You should be on the lookout for the following signs and symptoms:
You now know the different types of strokes and their warning signs. Risk factors are important to note, but some medical conditions are unavoidable. As previously discussed, every minute counts, so any indication that you or someone near you is experiencing stroke symptoms needs immediate medical attention.
Most often when a stroke occurs, the rehabilitation centers around physical therapy. This helps the patient relearn gross motor activities such as walking, balancing, standing, sitting, and laying down, in addition to physically changing movements. Some therapy may be done at home on a daily basis, while other therapy options require outpatient procedures.
Many have found that equine or hippotherapy (horseback riding therapy) has been immensely helpful in regaining control of the body. The muscles from one’s foot all the way up to the brain have to work simultaneously to keep the rider on the horse. Not only is balance, core, back, leg, and arm strength improved, but this type of therapy also stimulates the brain. As the brain starts to work to repair areas of the body where there is a delay or lack of control, the recovery begins to become evident.
For those who prefer to keep their therapy within the office, Chariot Innovations has created assistive technology to help achieve horseback riding therapy benefits without the need for a real horse. The MiraColt is hippotherapy simulator equipment that mimics the walking gait of a horse to give those working to rehabilitate their bodies and minds the ability and option to receive treatment like this in a controlled environment with support from nearby professionals.
Rehabilitative therapy usually begins 48 hours after the patient’s condition has stabilized. It starts by having the person attempt independent movement to try to overcome weakness or partial paralysis. Using hippotherapy to strengthen different areas can be done at any pace. Gradually releasing the professional’s need to support the patient’s body as they start being able to stabilize themselves will require less assistance.
Having a stroke isn’t the end of the road. Of course, the level of recovery depends on the severity of the event. Additionally, it is very important to take the warning signs of a stroke seriously and get to a physician as soon as possible. Knowing how to avoid any unnecessary risk is key in preventing a stroke. Understanding what kind of therapy is needed after a stroke will help make the recovery process easier.
As your child begins to grow, you’ll learn a lot about the way he or she is developing cognitively and physically. There is such a wide range of capabilities when it comes to Down syndrome. Being involved in occupational, speech, and special therapies that help strengthen the body and other skills is helpful. Horseback riding therapy has proven to help immensely in core strengthening, brain stimulation, posture, balance, and even speech. Chariot Innovations’ hippotherapy simulator allows your child to activate the use of thousands of muscles simultaneously from the comfort of a controlled therapy office.