Orthopedic hippotherapy--new methods in treatment of segmental instabilities of the lumbar spine
Rothhaupt, D.; Ziegler, H.; Laser, T.
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift 147(22): 504-508
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5341 PMID: 9487617 Document Number: 471534
The orthopedic hippotherapy represents a new form of therapeutic exercise in the conservative treatment of segmental instabilities in the lumbar spine region. This kind of therapy works on the principle of conveying to the patient the three-dimensional swinging motion of the horse's back. The patient reacts to these movement impulses by moving up and down (vertical movement of the spine), back and forth (sagittal movement) and to the right and the left (horizontal movement). The small movements of the spine thus produced bring about a mobilization of the segments involved in movement and therefore eliminate articular hypomobilities. Moreover, the short monosegmental muscles of the back are subjected to an excentric training which leads to a muscular stabilization of segmental hypermobilities. Due to the varying pressure load during the riding exercise the trophic conditions of the active and passive structures of the spine are improved.