The training was highly practical. Theory was immediately reinforced through hands-on practice: participants learned to assess patients’ conditions, manage pain, restore movement, apply manual techniques, and select therapeutic exercises tailored to each individual.
Many of the approaches covered are already being used in daily practice. Specialists feel more confident in their work, while patients report reduced pain and improved rehabilitation outcomes.
Among the participants were two specialists with visual impairments — Oleksandr and Mariana. For them, learning through touch, movement, and personal physical perception is especially important. The training format supported this: all practical techniques were demonstrated on participants, enabling them to be fully engaged and to master new approaches.
As Kateryna Zinovieva, Doctor of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine and Head of the Rehabilitation Department, notes:
“Team training is a priority for us. It forms the foundation of how we work with patients and the quality of care we provide. From the very next day after the trainings, I saw changes in how specialists work: they position their hands differently, clearly understand what they are doing and why. Patients feel this immediately — pain decreases, trust grows, and people see results. As head of the department, I am very proud of our team and how it is growing, learning, and developing while applying modern, evidence-based approaches in rehabilitation.”
The trainings were conducted by Artem Zghurskyi, Chief Physical Therapist at the Institute of Vertebrology and Rehabilitation clinic.
The training took place within the project “Improving Rehabilitation Services for Patients with Musculoskeletal Disorders in Zakarpattia Region”, implemented by the CO “ICF ‘Social Projects Center of Future’” with the support of UNDP in Ukraine under the project “Support to Inclusive Recovery for Human Security and Resilience in Ukraine,” funded by the Government of Japan.
