Frequently Asked Questions

According to the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc.: 

“Any licensed PT, OT, SLP, PTA, or COTA who has had additional training in the movement of the horse and the integration of the horse and human movement.  AHA, Inc. maintains a list of therapists who have received specialized training in Hippotherapy.”

 

PT/PTA - Physical Therapist/Physical Therapist Assistant

OT/COTA - Occupational Therapist/Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

SLP - Speech and Language Pathologist

 

Who can provide Hippotherapy?

According to the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc.:  

· “The three-dimensional movement of the horse’s pelvis is within 1-2 cm of the movement of the human pelvis at the walk.  This three-dimensional movement has been shown to affect the Central Nervous System which in turn stimulates the Motor Pathways and the Vestibular System in the Human Brain.  This movement naturally affects all the systems in the human body. “

· “The horse’s movement has rhythmicity and symmetry providing a dynamic base of support and multiple planes of movement.  It provides multi-sensory input, proprioception, movement through space, repetition, and variability.  All of this is provided within a natural environment with the therapist able to modify both the movement of the horse and the environment.  This encourages the patient to shift from his or her current preferred pattern of behavior in order to achieve new functional outcomes/behaviors.  Patients explore, self-organize, make postural adjustments, and problem solve in a highly motivating and natural environment.  The resultant development is an adapted response and the ability to use new movement strategies and incorporate them safely and appropriately in to their normal environment.”

If you have any further questions which have not been addressed above, please contact Chase at:

Phone: 512-814-6328          Fax: 866-442-3880

Email: chase@cadencetherapy.com

How is Hippotherapy different from Therapeutic (Adaptive) Riding?

What makes Hippotherapy an effective treatment strategy?

According to the American Hippotherapy Association, Inc.: 

“Hippotherapy is a medical treatment provided by a licensed PT, OT, SLP, PTA, or COTA.  Adaptive/Therapeutic Horseback Riding is a recreational activity taught by a trained riding instructor.”

How is Hippotherapy different from Horse Therapy, Horseback Riding Therapy, Equine Therapy, etc??

Horse Therapy, Horseback Riding Therapy, Equine Therapy, etc. are terms that simply mean nothing, should not be used in any context, and should not exist.  Equine Assisted Therapy and Hippotherapy are the only acceptable terms when talking about therapy for individuals with disabilities that involve horses.  A licensed therapist (Occupational, Physical, or Speech) that has training in Equine Assisted Therapy and Hippotherapy must be providing the service in order for it to be called “therapy”.  The only exception would be for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in which case a licensed mental health professional must be providing the service.

 

*Please be aware that there are many facilities/organizations/businesses/individuals that advertise themselves with the above terminology.  If you choose to pursue services through those facilities/organizations/businesses/individuals, please know that they are very likely not licensed therapists and therefore are not providing therapy—the services you will be receiving will legally be considered as recreational or educational and cannot be submitted to medical insurance.

I have OT coverage on my insurance—will it cover your services?

Cadence Therapy does not bill insurance directly and payment is due at time of service, however will provide invoicing necessary for you to submit if your insurance does provide coverage for out-of-network Occupational Therapy incorporating Myofascial Release, Equine Assisted Therapy/Hippotherapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation, and Wellness.  Every policy is different and Cadence Therapy does not guarantee any level of reimbursement should you choose to submit to your insurance company.

 

**Aetna and Blue Cross policies specifically state they will not provide coverage for OT, PT, or SLP if Hippotherapy is incorporated in the treatment session—thus you cannot submit for reimbursement to these insurance companies.

 

Austin, TX

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