Assistive Technology Services
Disability and assistive technology combines technological invention with modern medicine, helping people with physical and cognitive disabilities acquire and use devices that help improve mobility and independence.
Equestrian Therapy
What is equestrian therapy?
Equestrian therapy or equine-assisted therapy uses horseback riding as a method of treatment for inpatient or outpatient rehabilitative care. This modality is one of Bryn Mawr Rehab's physical and occupational therapy services and is usually prescribed to complement a person's treatment program. Equestrian therapy sessions are conducted by a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist with competency training in equestrian therapy and a therapeutic riding instructor. The sessions are held weekly at Thorncroft Equestrian Center, located one mile from Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital.
The benefits of therapeutic riding for rehab patients
Equine-assisted therapy is designed according to each individual's needs and abilities. The equestrian therapist conducts sessions by walking on the ground at the side of the horse and rider. For those requiring an emphasis on balance, core stability, motor planning and coordination, the therapist as well as a riding instructor will walk on either side, stabilizing the patient. As they progress in their recovery, they can move on to more advanced sessions.
How therapeutic riding helps patients physically and mentally:
- Physical. The physical benefits of equestrian therapy are based primarily on the movement of the horse. As the horse walks, the repetitive swinging motion helps to improve an individual's balance, coordination, and strength and muscle tone through their trunk, as well as their legs.
- Cognitive. Equestrian therapy can also aide in improving cognitive processes through the course of learning or relearning riding skills after changes to cognition or attention. Cognitive skills improve because riding requires balance, stability, timing and planning so that the horse can receive accurate messages from the rider.
In addition, activities involved with caring for the horse and stable requires the ability to plan and execute specific tasks.
Horses used for the sessions are chosen for their gentle temperament. The horses then are trained to move smoothly and tolerate the equipment, noise and activity that are part of equestrian therapy.
The equestrian therapists from Bryn Mawr Rehab and the therapeutic riding instructors from Thorncroft are trained to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Sessions are conducted with the help of trained side aides and leaders to create a safe riding environment. Side aides and leaders are often volunteers with riding experience who help to lead horses and to teach stable management after therapeutic riding sessions in addition to assisting with therapy sessions.
Who can benefit from equestrian therapy
Patients with physical and/or cognitive impairments are the best candidates for equine-assisted therapy. Those referred for this therapy are often recovering from a brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury, amputation, or have a disorder such as multiple sclerosis, although therapeutic riding is not limited to people with these conditions.
Equestrian therapy has been shown to improve self-esteem and encourage involvement in social activity. Participants often experience a sense of independence and gain confidence from participating in this therapy. After discharge from Bryn Mawr Rehab, patients may choose to continue with instruction and participate in horse shows and other competitions for people with physical and cognitive impairments.
Referrals for equestrian therapy
Referrals for equine-assisted therapy are made by physicians for inpatient or outpatient care or may be recommended by a therapist currently treating patients at Bryn Mawr Rehab.
Aquatic Therapy
Through the aquatic therapy program at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, warm water helps patients relax, enhances functional movement, and boosts confidence and ability.
Spinal Cord Rehab
Where you’ll receive innovative inpatient and outpatient spinal cord rehabilitation care at one of the country's most respected acute rehabilitation hospitals, and 92 percent of our inpatients reach their goals upon discharge and 83 percent of outpatients meet theirs.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy and sensory integration helps patients who’ve experienced a debilitative injury or illness return to activities of daily living (ADL), such as dressing, eating, writing, shopping, toileting and driving.
Lymphedema Management Program
Our lymphedema therapists help you achieve best results early and with continued treatment at outpatient locations in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. Even in cases of chronic lymphedema, an active management program can reduce swelling and improve symptoms.
Orthopaedic Rehabilitation
As one of the most extensive programs at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, our primary focus is to help patients build strength, mobility and endurance for a variety of orthopaedic conditions.
Concussion Rehab
One of the first acute rehabilitation hospitals in the country to provide treatment for brain injury, we’re recognized as a leader in the field of concussion treatment and recovery.
Equestrian Therapy
Equine-assisted therapy provides physical as well as cognitive benefits for a person’s recovery. As the horse walks, the repetitive swinging motion helps to improve the person’s balance, coordination and strength and muscle tone through the trunk and legs. Cognitive skills improve because riding requires balance, stability, timing and planning.