Welcome to New Light Therapy

New Light Therapy is a private, outpatient therapy clinic that specializes in pediatrics and treating adults and children with neuromuscular disorders. Our clinic also specializes in utilizing equine motion (hippotherapy) as a treatment strategy along with other treatment strategies.

We are currently members of the following organizations: American Hippotherapy Association, PATH International, and American Physical Therapy Association.  

 What is Hippotherapy?

The term hippotherapy refers to how occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of equine movement as a therapy tool to engage sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes.

Best practice dictates that occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals integrate hippotherapy into the patient’s plan of care, along with other therapy tools and/or strategies.

Why the horse?

The average horse walks at a rate of approximately 100 steps per minute.  Just 5 minutes on a walking horse represents 500 neuro motor inputs to the patient.  In a typical therapy session, 15 to 25 minutes of equine movement may be incorporated by the treating therapist – which represents 1500 to 2500 neuromotor inputs to the patient. 

Incorporating hippotherapy into an occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech language pathology session can serve as a powerful tool for the facilitation of the key neuromotor systems that support function.  Skillfully applied equine movement, under the direction of a therapist, can offer the patient the opportunity for complex motor learning.  Hippotherapy is combined with other standard therapy tools/strategies in an intervention plan designed to address the treatment needs of the client.

Strength, Muscle Coordination and Sensory Processing used for walking, talking, and the use of fine motor skills for activities of daily living and general attention to tasks have all been shown to be positively impacted by equine movement as a facilitation tool/strategy, when under the direction of a therapist, as part of a larger total plan of care. In additional, increased motivation and participation in treatment and social emotional benefits have been reported.

There is a growing body of peer reviewed clinical research that supports the value of including hippotherapy as a therapy tool/strategy in facilitating positive functional outcomes for a broad range of patients who demonstrate neuromotor and cognitive/communication deficits.

Who Benefits From Hippotherapy?

Hippotherapy can be beneficial for all ages, from children of at least 2 years of age, to those in their 70’s.  There are a variety of diagnoses treated such as: Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Brain Injury, Stroke, and Developmental Delay.  However, Hippotherapy may not be appropriate for all diagnoses.  Therefore, each client is given a thorough evaluation to determine if utilizing equine motion is the right kind of treatment strategy to be added into each client’s plan of care.

What Can I Expect?

During the first session, a formal evaluation will be performed consisting of goal setting and standardized testing. If it is decided that a client would benefit from equine motion being added into their plan of care, most additional sessions will consist of up to half the session utilizing equine motion (hippotherapy) and half the session conducted in the clinic/gym. If equine motion is not appropriate for the client, the entire session will be performed in the clinic/gym.

Schedule Appointment

Please reach out to us to Schedule your first appointment. We Look forward to meeting you soon!