Physiotherapist and his Piggy Pals are Making Quite a Squeal

posted on Apr 27 by Deanna in the Disability News, Fun, Healthcare, Opinion and Discussion category

Felix, a miniature pig and porky sidekick, Rudi, are owned by Daan Vermeulen, a Dutch Physiotherapist who travels around Germany to help his older patients with physical and emotional quandaries. Felix and Daan also make their rounds on the children wards.

For many years we have seen cats, dogs, rabbits, and even horses used for therapy, so why not a pig? Studies show that pets and animals in general have a positive influence on our physical and mental health. A person gets the exercise to walk, bath, or feed the animal along with the unconditional love animals are infamous for.  Even holding them allows for a person to lower their blood pressure. Animals are quit the healers.

Daan has even stated that getting his patients up and moving to interact with Felix also helps them in interacting with other patients, thus giving his patients a more human connection. To someone who has physical and emotional ailments, just knowing there is support is assuring. Whether it be human or animal, the outcome is phenomenal.

Everyone should start looking at these amazing creatures in a new light. They can do more for you than you know.

Sources:

http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/04/18/6489070-trained-pig-helps-to-keep-seniors-on-their-toes

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1378185/Porkiotherapy-Meet-wonder-pigs-proving-medical-sensation-patients-old-young.html?ITO=1490

http://www.moodletter.com/PetsandMentalHealth.htm