Dudley Member of Parliament Sonia Kumar, a practicing NHS physiotherapist, has returned from Ukraine after leading a first-of-its-kind visit to deliver training to local clinicians treating war-related injuries. The trip, spurred by a visit in September where she witnessed the resilience of Ukrainian soldiers, underscores a growing require for specialized physiotherapy support as the conflict continues. The call for increased support for physiotherapy in Ukraine comes as estimates of battlefield casualties continue to rise, with President Zelensky recently stating 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed, though other sources suggest the number could be as high as 200,000.
Kumar’s recent journey involved a “rickety train” ride to Kyiv, where she and a team provided training to 25 clinicians. The focus wasn’t simply replicating UK physiotherapy practices, but adapting them to the harsh realities of the front lines. “If you have an ankle injury and that balloons up, how do you manage that quickly and obtain someone back to fighting?” Kumar asked, highlighting the urgent need for rapid, practical solutions. The training covered a range of injuries, from back pain and neurological deficits to shoulder injuries and ankle sprains, but with a distinctly wartime focus.
Adapting Physiotherapy to the Front Lines
The situation in Ukraine presents unique challenges for healthcare professionals. While clinicians in the UK routinely treat sports injuries or those resulting from accidents, their Ukrainian counterparts are dealing with a constant influx of trauma cases – brain injuries, limb amputations and severe wounds sustained in active combat. Despite the grim circumstances, Kumar reported that patients expressed a remarkable determination. “I would do it again,” she recounted them saying, a testament to their unwavering spirit.
Alongside Kumar, Anju Jaggi, Clinical Director of Therapies at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, and physiotherapist Tanisha Sandhu, contributed to the training effort in Kyiv. The team focused on equipping Ukrainian clinicians with the skills to provide immediate, effective care in resource-constrained environments. The need extends beyond physical rehabilitation, with Kumar emphasizing the critical importance of mental health support, stating it is “entwined…hand in hand” with physical recovery.
UK Support for Ukrainian Healthcare
Kumar’s visit is part of a broader effort to bolster Ukraine’s healthcare system, which has been severely strained by the ongoing war. In July 2024, Coventry University hosted a group of 12 Ukrainian physiotherapists and rehabilitation leaders for simulation training, as part of the Patients of Ukraine’s War Trauma Rehabilitation in Ukraine Initiative. The program also developed a specialized curriculum for physiotherapists working in intensive care units.
Dr. Agnieszka Lewko, a researcher at Coventry University, initiated the training programs after being moved by images of civilian casualties following Russia’s invasion in February 2022. She quickly organized online first aid courses and traveled to Lviv to deliver practical training. “The unexpected outbreak of the invasion…created a feeling of disbelief and shock,” Dr. Lewko said, explaining her motivation. The collaboration between Ukrainian and British healthcare professionals has been mutually beneficial, with both sides learning from each other’s experiences.
Beyond Skills: The Need for Practical Resources
Ukrainian healthcare staff have reportedly expressed a desire for practical support and partnerships, rather than simply sympathy. Kumar relayed that they specifically requested skills-based training and resources to address the immediate needs of their patients. This plea for tangible assistance highlights the urgency of the situation and the limitations faced by Ukrainian medical professionals.
The MP’s visit and subsequent calls for increased support arrive as the conflict enters its third year. The long-term rehabilitation needs of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are substantial, requiring sustained international assistance. The focus on physiotherapy is particularly crucial, as it plays a vital role in restoring function, reducing pain, and improving the quality of life for those affected by the war.
Kumar is now advocating for increased UK support for Ukrainian health professionals, emphasizing the need for both practical resources and mental health support. She is continuing conversations about how the UK can best contribute to the ongoing rehabilitation efforts in Ukraine.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about healthcare and international aid efforts. It is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact a qualified healthcare professional.
The next step in this ongoing effort will be to assess the specific needs of Ukrainian healthcare facilities and develop targeted training programs. Further updates on UK support for Ukraine’s healthcare system will be available through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Share your thoughts on this important issue in the comments below.
