Pediatric Hippotherapy for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
in Pea Ridge, AR
If your child is dealing with pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving their joints due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis, it can impact their ability to play and enjoy everyday activities. At Unbridled Pediatric Therapies, we combine traditional physical therapy with therapeutic horse-riding (hippotherapy) to help kids improve their joint mobility and regain strength in a fun and supportive environment.
What Is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis?
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), formerly called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), is a condition where a child’s immune system attacks their own body by mistake. It happens in kids younger than 16 and can affect one joint or many.
The most common symptoms of JIA include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. This can lead to limping or clumsiness when your child tries to move around.
With early treatment, many kids with JIA can go into remission, meaning the symptoms go away for long periods. Some kids may still have flare-ups or need ongoing care, but the goal is to help them live a comfortable and active life.
How Pediatric Physical Therapy Combined with Hippotherapy Can Treat Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Pediatric physical therapy is a very effective treatment option for children with JIA. But when you combine it with hippotherapy, the benefits are much greater and can be achieved faster than with clinic-based treatment on its own.
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider equine-assisted physical therapy for your child:
1. It improves joint mobility
The horse’s movement provides a gentle, repetitive stretch to tight muscles and joints, which helps increase flexibility and reduce stiffness without causing discomfort. This movement provides gentle, low-impact exercise that supports the joints without putting additional stress on them.
2. It stimulates key areas of the brain
A horse’s walking pattern closely resembles the natural movement of the human pelvis during walking. In a typical 20-minute session, the horse takes approximately 3,000 steps, which offers repetitive motion that supports the development of new neural pathways in the brain through vestibular (balance) and proprioceptive (body awareness) input. This can help increase body awareness, balance, and coordination skills.
3. It improves muscle strength and circulation
By riding the horse, children work on strengthening their core muscles and improving their postural stability. The horse’s motion challenges the child to engage their trunk, legs, and arms in response to the movement, which promotes better balance and control. The movement of the horse also promotes circulation, reduces muscle stiffness, and can alleviate pain by encouraging more fluid joint movement.
4. It’s fun!
The combination of horseback riding and therapy makes it an enjoyable and engaging experience, which can be especially motivating for kids. When children are having fun, they’re more likely to participate fully in their treatment, which leads to better results.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation Today
Want to find out how pediatric hippotherapy can help your child overcome juvenile idiopathic arthritis? Take advantage of our free 15-minute phone consultation! During this consultation, you’ll speak with a member of the Unbridled Pediatric Therapy team who can answer your questions and explain how your child can benefit from equine-assisted physical therapy.
Give us a call at (479) 250-9838 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation today!
