Children with Disabilities Hydrotherapy in Ukraine

Nazar* recently began to work with the Hydrotherapy Program at Dzherelo Centre. He is 13 years old and uses a wheelchair. He is particularly fond of heavy metal music! He shares his joy with the physical therapist and his mom, who are both in the pool with him. He has learned to float and relax in the water. He still struggles with moving his feet, but has fun learning to kick. The Hydrotherapy sessions have helped him bond with his mom as well. 

Dzherelo’s Hydrotherapy Program is up and running after the summer break. All the equipment was cleaned and repaired, if needed. It’s serving the children with special needs in Lviv and it’s a unique opportunity for them to explore what their bodies can do in the pool. The children seem to most enjoy learning how to throw (move their arms) and kick (strengthen their legs), but usually end the sessions by floating. 

The Hydrotherapy Program has been used by numerous families as parents have begun to join the sessions, too. This new type of family time creates improved self-esteem, fills a genuine parent-child relationship need, and motivates healthy lifestyles. Working alongside the physical therapist, parents get to model communication and learn new ways to work with their children. 

Dzherelo continues to be appreciative of the community support is receives daily. Thank you for being a part of the Dzherelo Family. 

*Name changed to protect confidentiality.

Links:

• https://dzherelocentre.org.ua/en/

Although summer break at Dzherelo Centre means fewer children on site daily, it does not stop the work here. Dzherelo Centre's pool is ready for Hydrotherapy! 

Consider the reasons why jumping in a lake or sea feels so good! Relaxation, comfort, cooling off, most of us have our reasons for enjoying a day by the water. In the last school year, the children of Dzherelo Centre have benefitted from the use of Hydrotherapy and connections with physical therapy teams. The children have participated in a wide variety of therapeutic water activities designed to relax them while strengthening muscles and developing self- confidence.  

The number of children has increased by 24 in the last school year, thus proving community support and need for the program. Parents have been excited to see their children expressing joy while receiving therapy. Exuberant sounds are heard through the hallways, so one always knows when a session is occurring. 

“The pool is cool because it’s for children and it helps them with their illnesses. It is interesting how water helps conditions or problems with stress. It is obvious to me that a hydrotherapy pool should be here at Dzherelo,” claimed Nastia, a new volunteer at Dzherelo Centre. 

Here's an article published in North American Journal of Medical Sciences (NAJMS) discussing the use of Hydrotherapy: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049052/