How Horses Help Cerebral Palsy Patients

Posted on October 19, 2012 at 2:03pm by

There is no cure for cerebral palsy, a collection of ailments related to muscle control, posture and balance. However, there are certain forms of therapy that can strengthen muscles and prevent the condition from worsening.

One form of therapy is known as horse therapy, or Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT).

“The movement of the horse actually mimics our walk,” said Tammy Farris, owner of Kiddy Up!, an organization that provides EAT to children with mobility difficulties. She explained that these children strengthen their balance and walking-related muscles by riding horses.

Jason Griggs’ daughter Kiley is one of Farris’s clients. He says that watching his daughter make progress fills him with pride.

“Our dream is still there,” Griggs said. “Our dream is for our child to walk one day. And each day that goes by, we’re getting closer and closer. She’s getting stronger and stronger.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), one of every 303 eight-year-olds has cerebral palsy. In many cases, medical negligence causes these conditions. The decisions a doctor makes during and immediately after a delivery can have lifelong consequences for the baby.

If you suspect that a medical error contributed to your child’s condition, we invite you to tell us your story. Call our office at 1-800-460-0606, submit a contact form, leave a comment below or visit our site to learn more about cerebral palsy. We offer free consultations so you can explore your options with no obligations.

Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLPcerebral palsy attorneys



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