LINKS




The mission of Sopris Therapy Services is to promote and enhance the health and quality of life for the citizens of the Roaring Fork Valley. Sopris Therapy Services helps people with disabilities achieve the highest level of function, self-sufficiency and independence possible.

STS was founded by Belinda Brownell, MS,PT, in July of 1994 as a 501©(3) corporation to provide physical, occupational, and speech therapies to children and adults demonstrating a broad range of special needs and disabilities. We specialize in functional rehabilitation incorporating Equine Assisted Therapy in a peaceful, ranch setting. Our purpose is to make therapy FUN and FUNCTIONAL for patients with various disabilities.
STS is a leader and a pioneer in "Equine Assisted Therapy" - treatment with the aid of the horse. The horse's three-dimensional movement provides a combination of neurological inputs that are used to address difficulties with ambulation, arousal, gross and fine motor control, perception, problem solving, speech production and expressive/receptive language. It is amazing to see how patients bond with the animals.

The difference in motivation levels between the traditional and ranch settings is one that has to be seen to be appreciated. When a brain-injured person finishes a therapy session and hugs, and kisses their therapy horse, it makes your heart melt. Intensive therapy can be very hard work and frustrating for many patients. The therapy horses definitely help.

"HORSES MAKE THERAPY FUN"!

The STS staff is made up of licensed therapists, horse professionals and certified riding instructors who combine their talents to provide effective equine assisted therapy treatments.




REHABILITATION IN A RANCH SETTING

Our facility is in a ranch setting with an indoor riding arena, large outdoor arena, wheelchair accessible mounting ramps and comfortable waiting areas. STS has horses trained specifically for equine assisted therapy and therapeutic riding.



The term "Hippotherapy" refers to treatment with the help of the horse. The horse's movement assists with:






 


STS therapists specialize in the treatment of children and adults with neurological dysfunction. Therapy services are available to persons with a broad range of special needs including but not limited to:
Multiple Sclerosis
Traumatic head injury
Strokes
Cerebral Palsy
Parkinson's Disease
Spinal cord injury
Orthopedic problems
Mental retardation
Language and processing deficits
Learning disabilities
Visual and/or hearing impairments
Muscular Dystrophy
Down's Syndrome
Post polio syndrome
Attention deficit disorders
Autism
Emotional disability
Behavior difficulties
Sensory integration dysfunction


 



The cost per hour is the average rate for physical, occupational and speech therapy. STS accepts patients with all types of insurance. STS is a nonprofit organization depending on local support to provide assistance for patients with special financial needs. Fees for patients without insurance coverage are on a sliding scale.