Canyon Ranch Physical Therapy, Inc. (CRPT) is a full service physical therapy facility practicing in the fields of:

• Pediatrics
• Geriatrics
• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Home Health
• Women's Health
• Hippotherapy

Canyon Ranch Physical Therapy, Inc. would like to broaden your therapy knowledge to the benefits of a specialty called Hippotherapy. Specially trained, licensed physical therapists, having a strong background in posture and movement, neuromotor function, and sensory processing use this treatment.

The term "Hippotherapy" means treatment with the help of the horse, from the Greek work "hippos" meaning horse. Hippotherapy has been used as a form of treatment in Europe, particularly West Germany and Switzerland, beginning in the 1940’s, however therapeutic benefits of horsemanship was reported as early as 460 B.C. by the Romans and Greeks.

Movement of the Horse facilitates a rhythmic side-to-side, forward and backward motion, with rotational components, as the patient's body and pelvis are moved in a manner that mirrors the human gait.

Treatments involve conventional therapeutic exercises, stretching, strengthening, balance activities, gross and fine motor tuning skills, sensory integration, cognitive skills, along with specialized physical therapy techniques.

Major benefits include:

• Strengthening postural muscles, improving pelvis/trunk/head alignment for trunk stabilization
• Stimulation of muscles and nerves, influencing muscle tone, (hypotonic/hypertonic)
• Enhancement of equilibrium and vestibular reactions for balance
• Decreased pain

Therapy sessions are conducted on a one-on-one basis by appointment only. Hippotherapy is beneficial to all ages. Intervention as early as 6 months at CRPT.

Research shows that patients who participate in Hippotherapy experience physical, emotional and mental rewards. The therapeutic benefits are recognized by many medical professionals, including the American Physical Therapy Association.

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Kinesiology
Education
Rehabilitation
Neurology