Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy is therapy conducted while riding a horse (hippo comes from the Greek word for horse). The movements of the horse as it walks cause the rider's pelvis and trunk to move in a pattern which replicates the correct pattern of movement used when walking. The child can ride the horse in various positions and play games involving reaching, rotation, and other movements to improve their posture and mobility. Hippotherapy is effective in improving posture, strength, endurance, gait mechanics, and sensory integration. Best of all, it’s fun! For more information on hippotherapy, please visit: www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org.

 

DAFO™ Orthotics

We are able to evaluate and cast for DAFO™ orthotics, made by the Cascade company. DAFO™'s are different from standard AFO's because they are flexible and wrap around the foot, giving total contact to the foot. The flexible material allows small movements rather than the extreme movements or fixation that comes with some neurologic impairments. These small movements provide a more normal proprioceptive feedback system that provides reliable information for balance and postural control. The DAFO™ reduces the tendency of the patient to “hold” forcefully against the brace by allowing for a sensation of “give”. DAFO™'s are very comfortable, and are easily tolerated by most children. For more information and to see examples of the various styles, please visit: www.dafo.com.

 

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

We are proud to work in partnership with Central Florida Hyperbaric to offer hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an effective tool to treat our patients. Because we share a building with Central Florida Hyperbaric, our patients can easily schedule intensive therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy together. Please view their website for more information: www.centralfloridahyperbarics.com .

We refer our patients in need of speech therapy to world-renowned Speech and Language therapist Debra Beckman. Her office is minutes away from our clinic and her staff makes every effort to see our patients while they are here for their intensive therapy sessions. Many of our patients have greatly benefited from Debra's expertise and education. Please see her website at www.beckmanoralmotor.com.