Hippotherapy: An innovative Treatment Approach to CP

“Hippotherapy improves gross motor function (GMF) in children with CP. This benefit is best demonstrated with the GMFM.” (3)

Benefits of Hippotherapy

Physical and Occupational therapists working with children diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy (CP) constantly seek innovative and effective treatment modalities. While traditional clinic-based exercises are essential, the dynamic, three-dimensional movement provided by hippotherapy offers a powerful “out-of-the-box” approach that can unlock new levels of functional mobility.

For a child with CP, the rhythmic, repetitive gait of the horse is a unique sensory experience, profoundly influencing the vestibular system, postural control, and muscle tone in ways a conventional mat or treadmill cannot replicate. Integrating this powerful technique means going beyond standard protocols to design truly goal-oriented treatment plans that target key deficits, such as core stability, coordination, and gross motor function, ultimately leading to greater independence for your pediatric patients.

Hippotherapy Series

Learn how Hippotherapy can positively impact a child diagnosed with Cerebral palsy. This online course Hippotherapy Course for PTs: Children with Cerebral Palsy, offers an unparalleled look into the integration of hippotherapy into the comprehensive care of children with CP, focusing on a specific child’s musculoskeletal and developmental challenges from birth through age 10.

Another course in the Hippotherapy series is Hippotherapy Course for PTs: Down Syndrome and Pediatric Outcomes. This course provides a comprehensive exploration of hippotherapy’s clinical applications, with a specific focus on its efficacy in mitigating the motor and sensory challenges associated with Down syndrome.

Subscribe and Support Kids in Need of Hippotherapy

A healthclick subscription impacts patients’ lives across the US and has empowered your colleagues to deliver better care. Since 2021, our films have raised over $300,000 to help special-needs children access better rehabilitation. We donated our time and resources without charge to create films that the non-profits used to raise all these funds. Money that went directly to therapists and your colleagues to deliver their rehab vision to their population. Now we bring our films into the ceu experience for you. A portion of each Hippotherapy course purchase goes back to the Community to help kids get the hippotherapy treatment they need.

References

1. Bernardino I, Borges DF, Casalta-Lopes J, Soares JI. Hippotherapy Improves Gross Motor Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy: Evidence from a Systematic Review. NeuroRehabilitation. 2025 Oct 29:10538135251387278. doi: 10.1177/10538135251387278. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41160425.
2. lotas, P., Papadopoulos, A., Apostolelli, EM. et al. Effects of hippotherapy on motor function of children with cerebral palsy: a systematic review study. Ital J Pediatr 50, 188 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-024-01715-9
3. Peia F, Veiga NC, Gomes AP, Santos BND, Marques NMS, Glória IPDS, Goulardins JB. Effects of Hippotherapy on Postural Control in Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2023 Apr 1;35(2):202-210. doi: 10.1097/PEP.0000000000000999. Epub 2023 Mar 3. PMID: 36867588.