Pediatric Hippotherapy for Scoliosis
in Pea Ridge, AR
If your child has scoliosis, it can be difficult for them to maintain good posture and move freely. At Unbridled Pediatric Therapies, we combine traditional physical therapy with therapeutic horse-riding (hippotherapy) to help kids improve their spinal alignment and build strength and flexibility in a fun and supportive environment.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition where a person’s spine, which is normally straight when viewed from behind, curves to the side. Imagine a line drawn down the center of your back—when someone has scoliosis, that line isn’t straight anymore. Instead, the spine can curve like the letter “C” or “S.”
Common Signs of Scoliosis
The most common signs and symptoms of scoliosis in children include:
- One shoulder sits higher than the other at rest
- One hip sticks out further than the other when standing
- The back has a noticeable sideways curve when viewed from behind.
- Back or leg pain or discomfort
How Pediatric Physical Therapy Combined with Hippotherapy Can Treat Scoliosis
Pediatric physical therapy by itself is already a great treatment option for children with scoliosis. But when you combine it with hippotherapy, the outcomes children can achieve are better and faster than with clinic-based treatment alone.
Here are some of the reasons why you should consider equine-assisted physical therapy for your child:
1. It improves postural awareness
Riding a horse encourages the rider to engage with their posture in real time. The movement of the horse helps children become more aware of their body and encourages them to adjust their posture, which can assist in managing the curvature of the spine.
2. It stimulates key areas of the brain
Hippotherapy provides proprioceptive (awareness of body position) and vestibular (balance and spatial orientation) input through the horse’s motion, which can help train the brain and improve balance. This input may help children with scoliosis improve their ability to stabilize and align their body more effectively.
3. It improves core strength and stability
The rhythmic motion of the horse helps engage the core muscles, which are crucial for maintaining good posture. Strengthening these muscles can support the spine and improve alignment.
4. It’s fun!
The excitement of riding a horse motivates children to participate fully in their therapy. The unique combination of movement, sensory stimulation, and the bond between the child and the horse makes the experience both fun and therapeutic. When kids enjoy their treatment, they’re more likely to stay consistent, which can lead to better results over time.
Schedule a Free 15-Minute Phone Consultation Today
Want to find out how pediatric hippotherapy can help your child overcome scoliosis? 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!
