Hippotherapy for Raikal

Wan Ahmad Rizq Raikal was referred to YOKUK in 2019 by the Paediatric Clinic of Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II when he was three years old. When he was a newborn, he was diagnosed with epilepsy and Global Developmental Delay, a condition that indicates significant delays in a child’s cognitive and physical development.

When we first met Raikal, he could not sit up and was constantly lying on his back. Eye contact and posture was poor, and he could only drink milk that was specially imported.

After a thorough assessment, our therapist proposed a combination of two therapies: hippotherapy to improve motor and muscle control and sensory therapy to improve sensory functions. Concurrently, he would continue to see a paediatric neurologist.

Not long after we began, we unfortunately could not carry on with the physical sessions due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Thankfully, with much help and involvement from Raikal’s parents, we were able to continue his sessions online so that he can keep up the momentum with his exercises. We are very grateful for his parents’ full commitment to his well-being.

After two years with us, Raikal has shown leaps and bounds in improvements. He can now turn over, roll from side to side, and even sit on his own for up to two minutes. He also responds when called and smiles when we interact with him. We look forward to seeing more milestones with Raikal.