Physical therapists (PTs) are movement experts with specialty degrees who work with clients of all ages to optimize physical functioning through hands-on activities and exercises. Physical therapy addresses many physical challenges across the lifespan including balance, strength, range of motion, pain management, endurance, and coordination.

The Shea Center PTs specialize in using a tool called hippotherapy–the purposeful manipulation of equine movement to engage sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes. The horse’s walk closely mimics human walking. The client sitting astride the horse can practice walking in a fun environment while interacting with the team including the horse, therapist, and volunteers. Each step the horse takes offers the client a balance challenge for which their body has to work to maintain an upright sitting posture. Studies show that the walking horse offers 3,000 balance repetitions in a single 30-minute session.

PTs do not stop their treatment when the client gets off the horse. They then have the opportunity to work on functional activities such as carrying objects, obstacle courses, stair training, walking over different surfaces, coordination training, and strength-building activities around the barn and in the gym. The natural environment of the barn creates endless opportunities for PTs to work on motor skill development.

PTs improve the way you move!

Shea Center physical therapists (r) Trish, Janelle, Matt,  (f) Randi, Susan with CCI Facility Diamond,
and Jen