«An old professional dream has come true»: physical therapists of the NDI mastered SEAS

«Recently, my long-standing professional dream came true—I completed training in the SEAS method., – shares Hanna Bulkina, physical therapist at the National Cancer Institute.

With the support of the Zaporuka Charitable Foundation, Hanna Bulkina and her colleague Tetiana Makovska completed a certified course SEAS Level I (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) in Kyiv. The training coach was Michele Romano is the author and developer of the SEAS method..

SEAS is an evidence-based approach to active self-correction of the spine, which involves individual work with each patient. The specialist assesses the characteristics of posture and curvature and selects special exercises accordingly. Importantly, the child learns not only to perform the exercises during sessions, but also to consciously control body position in everyday life.

For children undergoing cancer treatment, such an individualized approach is especially valuable. The methodology can be adapted to the child's condition and various stages of treatment—chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or postoperative recovery, when physical activity may be limited and the muscle corset weakens. No special equipment is required to perform the exercises, so the acquired skills can be used in a variety of settings.

Although SEAS was originally developed to work with idiopathic scoliosis, the knowledge gained during training can also be a valuable tool in the rehabilitation of children with cancer. In such cases, it is especially important to first conduct a detailed examination and determine an individualized strategy for working with the child.

And most importantly, new knowledge is already moving into practice. The SEAS method is being implemented in the pediatric oncology department of the National Cancer Institute. Physical therapists cooperate with the institute's radiologists, as high-quality diagnostics and image evaluation are an important part of choosing the right rehabilitation strategy.

Supporting the professional development of specialists is an important part of the Zaporuka Foundation's work. After all, investments in knowledge help expand rehabilitation opportunities and make assistance to children more personalized.

Thank you, Tetiana and Hanna, for your drive to grow and implement new knowledge into your daily practice!