SALIDA, Colo.— Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC) is excited to announce the addition of Hippotherapy (equine therapy) services to its Rehabilitation program. HRRMC is collaborating with local non-profit organization Mini-Blessings, who offer horse-guided activities, to facilitate HRRMC providing on-site horse therapy services.
Hippotherapy uses rhythmic, multi-plane equine movement which stimulates a human’s neurological system, helping to organize motor movement, regulate sensory systems, and mimics walking through the patient’s pelvis. Benefits of Hippotherapy include building core strength, improving muscle coordination and fine and gross motor skills, as well as increased motivation and participation in treatment.
Those who can benefit from Hippotherapy include but are not limited to: Children with neurological diagnoses, movement diagnoses, developmental delays, sensory processing regulation needs, and many other related disorders. This therapy also benefits adults with chronic neurological diagnoses, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s, neurodegenerative diseases, and many others.
“We are thrilled to add Hippotherapy to the diverse and specialized catalog of Rehabilitation Services. Through our collaboration with Mini-Blessings, patients will have access to this unique therapy which can have tremendous impacts on their treatment outcomes,” says Desirae Westphal, HRRMC Vice President of Operations.
Hippotherapy can be one of many tools that HRRMC Rehab therapists utilize to reach treatment goals. A referral for this service is required. Established rehabilitation patients may speak with their rehabilitation provider to see if Hippotherapy is right for them.
For more information about the program, please visit hrrmc.com/hippotherapy or call (719) 530-2040.
