Horse treatment is a fairly common method that is actively used in medical practice around the world. Rehabilitation of patients with many diseases occurs with the help of horse riding. In this article, we will describe the name of this method, as well as the principles of its impact.
Historical aspect
Horse treatment has been used since time immemorial. Hippocrates wrote about the effectiveness of this method in his writings. Already then it became known what the treatment of horses is called. This is hippotherapy.
In the XVIII century, Deni Didro noted in his writings that horseback riding is one of the most effective exercises for maintaining a person’s physical health. With its help, according to the French philosopher, it is possible not only to treat various diseases, but also to carry out effective prevention.
Moreover, the scientific study of this method began only in the 19th century. Since then, it has been purposefully used in medical practice. But only in 1960, hippotherapy began to be used as one of the important elements of physiotherapy.
The first standardized program came about 30 years ago, thanks to American and Canadian therapists. In Russia, this practice has been applied since 1991.
Principles of exposure
The uniqueness of horse treatment lies in the optimal combination of cognitive and body-oriented techniques that affect the human psyche. This method plays an important role in biomechanical effects on internal organs, strengthening the body as much as possible.
Impulses are transmitted to the rider, which almost completely correspond to movements during walking. The movements of the muscles of the back of the horse, consisting of a large number of elements, have a warming and massaging effect on the muscles of the rider, blood flow begins to be much better.
Most often, hippotherapy uses an allure. At this step, the horse makes at least 110 oscillatory movements of various directions, which are transmitted directly to the person. To confidently stay in the saddle, a person must be able to maintain balance, synchronize and coordinate movements.
Due to this, the treatment of people with horses is often used in cerebral palsy. In this situation, muscles are involved, usually completely inactive. In addition, horse riding promotes perseverance, fine motor skills develops, and contributes to a harmonious perception of the world around patients even with serious mental disorders.
Indications for use
Horse treatment is recommended for use in various neurological and some other disorders. Most often, this method is used for the following diseases:
- cerebral paralysis;
- autism;
- multiple sclerosis;
- arthritis;
- stroke;
- traumatic brain injury;
- spinal cord injuries;
- mental and behavioral disorders.
Also apply this method for visual and hearing impairment.
Moreover, the effectiveness of treatment for many indications remains unclear. It is believed that there is insufficient evidence of the benefits of hippotherapy for autism.
Soul Massager
Of great importance is the fact that the body temperature of an animal is about one and a half to two degrees higher than ours. So it is believed that the horse is both a heated massager and a live simulator. When the rider is in the saddle, the pelvic area warms up, which is useful for the prevention and treatment of prostatitis in men, can save women from many gynecological diseases.
In addition, the treatment of joints with a horse is used, especially if a person has had surgery on the hip joint. Horse riding effectively repairs damage.
In riders, the activity of internal organs is activated. Due to this, hippotherapy proves its effectiveness in diseases of the intestines and stomach, problems with the heart and blood vessels. With regular exercise, you can stabilize the blood sugar level of a diabetic.
The debate is still ongoing about the effectiveness of horse treatments. But even doctors recommend horseback riding after a stroke or heart attack, when the patient has a recovery period. When riding a horse, the patient's heart begins to beat at a high speed - up to about 170 beats per minute, and blood circulation also increases by five to ten times.
Despite such high activity, no processes dangerous to health occur in the heart, so horse riding is recommended for hypertensive patients and cores, even if they are forbidden to aerobics and exercising on simulators.
In addition, shaking in the saddle helps get rid of obesity.
Help children
Horse treatment for children is especially effective. In this case, the baby can cope with quite complex problems. For example, with hyperactivity disorder or attention deficit disorder.
In addition, horse riding comprehensively develops the child, making him agile, courageous, decisive, hardy and resourceful.
In old age
Hippotherapy is considered useful in old age. Some scientists believe that when riding in steps, the work of the muscles of a person corresponds to a quick step, and when galloping - to a fast run.
It is important that the body does not experience almost any load on the joints. Classes on horses improve fine motor skills, helping elderly patients to cope with many household problems faster. In addition, fine motor skills are directly related to the development of the speech apparatus.
Hippotherapy Research
Scientists have demonstrated the effect of unusual treatment on strength and static balance in children with intellectual disabilities. Their power parameters significantly increased, it was possible to better perform many complex exercises, for example, to maintain equilibrium.
Based on this, it was concluded that hippotherapy is an effective tool to help improve strength and balance in patients with intellectual disabilities.
Other studies have confirmed that hippotherapy helps improve gait and balance in people with multiple sclerosis who are on an outpatient basis.
There are also a few studies that have examined the effects of horse riding on the condition of autistic young patients suffering from autism spectrum disorder. In the primary phase, no changes were noted, however, after six months of classes, it was possible to establish a decrease in autism symptoms. According to the Timberlown scale, which determines the interaction of children and parents, significant improvements were also noted. Moreover, it was possible to increase even the quality of life parameters of parents.
To summarize, we can say that horse treatment is an original and effective method that can help in the treatment of many diseases.