Hippotherapy - a method of psychological rehabilitation: how wounded guards restore mental health (VIDEO)
On the initiative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the fighters of the National Guard took part in the psycho-rehabilitation project. One of the methods is hippotherapy. It is based on the interaction of a person with a specially trained horse, adapted to the patient's capabilities in mastering horseback riding.
This time ten guards were involved in the therapy, who are undergoing medical and psychological rehabilitation in the centers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. All have been directly involved in the fighting and have shrapnel wounds to their limbs.
“The Ministry of Internal Affairs develops many areas of psychological rehabilitation for defenders and defenders. One of the methods is hippotherapy. The main thing in it is the emotional component. During treatment due to contact with the animal, we are able to return the fighters to real life. When a person is injured, he acquires a certain physical and mental detachment. And mortgage suffering contributes to grounding and acquiring positive emotions,” said the head of the Department of Psychological Support of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Andriy Kostiuk.
Hippotherapy is also important for the musculoskeletal system. It normalizes muscle tone, improves coordination of movements, strengthens muscles and even improves gait.
Begin therapy with acquaintance. Specialists of the rehabilitation center invite servicemen to communicate on the ranch. Accompany the conversation - special training, contact dogs. After the conversation, the guards get acquainted with the horses. Next - divided into groups. Some - feed and care for animals, the rest - are engaged in horse riding. In conclusion - psychological sharing. Guardsmen - share impressions and feelings.
This dozen fighters are a pilot group that has undergone hippotherapy. Currently, the psychologists of the Ministry of Internal Affairs are developing a system and mechanisms of work for mortgage therapists. In the future, the Ministry of Internal Affairs aims to scale up the project and involve specialists from all regions of Ukraine in such rehabilitation.
Department of Communications of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine
