In Zaporizhzhia, service members and veterans undergo free aquatic rehabilitation.
Water is not only a force of nature, but also an effective recovery tool. Mykhailo Prokutin, a war veteran who served for almost three years in the 15th Kara-Dag Brigade and participated in combat operations on the Orikhiv direction, has learned it from his own experience. He was forced to leave military service due to health issues.
Today, he is a member of the "Free Waves" rehabilitation project for the military and veterans.
According to Mykhailo, regular water-based exercises produced tangible results within two months.
"It relaxes the muscles, you sleep better, feel better overall, and there is no muscle soreness. My heart started working better; doctors say my indicators have improved. I called my fellow soldiers and told them that such activities exist for us, because everyone has problems, both former and active service members. So let them come and improve their health," told Mykhailo PROKUTIN.
Denys Sylantiev, an Olympic swimming medallist, is the author of the rehabilitation programme. The project is implemented through cooperation with Metinvest, Zaporizhstal, and the public organisation "Zaporizhzhia. Platform for Joint Action." Over 400 veterans from Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, and Kamianske have already received assistance through the programme.
Denys Sylantiev emphasises that regular sessions are key.
"A veteran once came to us on crutches. He could not move his leg and could not feel it. After regular sessions, he started to feel it, began to move it, and is gradually giving up the crutches," said Denys SYLANTIEV.
Each project participant arrives with different issues, so the rehabilitation programme is tailored individually. At the same time, according to Denys Sylantiev, water is a universal environment for recovery, provided a scientific approach is applied.
"When I was defending my dissertation, I already knew that swimming is recommended for all groups of people with disabilities. It is recommended both for newborns and for older people. The compression that occurs in water, along with weightlessness, simultaneously relaxes and strengthens muscles and provides a level of load that is not harmful to the spine or joints," explained Denys Sylantiev.
