Statistics show that eighty percent of the population likes animals. Animals have been found to not only provide mental therapy to patients with head and spinal cord injuries, but also physical therapy. For patients that like dogs, various exercises can simulate the same motion as traditional equipment.
Animals now lend a paw to help.
Seventy five percent of the patients they have worked with have achieved their goals, often without knowing it. For example, a patient might need to learn to reach out or pick up an item. A therapist could use a dumb bell for this exercise or the patient could reach out, hold a brush and stroke a dog's coat. The patient has accomplished the same goal. To increase standing ability, a patient can play a game of fetch with the dog.