PHYSIOTHERAPY
MAN-MADE MIRACLE
Today, the editorial team of First Persons visited the "Dr. Kasatkina Physiotherapy Center."Many of us remember the physical therapy rooms from childhood—with lots of unfamiliar devices and, of course, an hourglass.
Much has changed since then; medicine has come a long way. However, time-tested methods that have proven effective and have now been enhanced by modern technology are working real wonders today. We spoke with the founder and chief physician of the center, Natalia Kasatkina.
Much has changed since then; medicine has come a long way. However, time-tested methods that have proven effective and have now been enhanced by modern technology are working real wonders today. We spoke with the founder and chief physician of the center, Natalia Kasatkina.
Treatment results really depend not only on a well-chosen method and treatment plan.A lot depends on the mental attitude of the patient.
Working with a psychologist isn’t just “talking things out” but it’s qualified help.
And there is nothing scary or shameful about seeing a specialist.
Psychotherapy and psychological support are often recommended for conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, and traumatic life events—such as abuse, the loss of a loved one, and other serious experiences.
It’s important to understand that people dealing with the above issues often also experience somatic symptoms such as sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and memory problems. These are emotional struggles that manifest physically. That’s why, in addition to counseling, we often recommend transcranial electrical stimulation at the end of the session. This is a new physiotherapy method that activates the body’s defense mechanisms by stimulating the release of beta-endorphins and serotonin.These substances affect thermoregulation, sleep quality, help with neuroses, positively influence memory, and improve appetite.
Working with a psychologist isn’t just “talking things out” but it’s qualified help.
And there is nothing scary or shameful about seeing a specialist.
Psychotherapy and psychological support are often recommended for conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, and traumatic life events—such as abuse, the loss of a loved one, and other serious experiences.
It’s important to understand that people dealing with the above issues often also experience somatic symptoms such as sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and memory problems. These are emotional struggles that manifest physically. That’s why, in addition to counseling, we often recommend transcranial electrical stimulation at the end of the session. This is a new physiotherapy method that activates the body’s defense mechanisms by stimulating the release of beta-endorphins and serotonin.These substances affect thermoregulation, sleep quality, help with neuroses, positively influence memory, and improve appetite.
Yes, and again, the right mindset is crucial—especially for patients who’ve been immobile for a long time. Such patients are often in a state of despair and have lost the will to fight. If we don’t correct that, the treatment won’t be as effective. We’ve had many such cases.
One recent example: a 72-year-old woman who had suffered a stroke. She gave up very quickly, she didn’t leave the house for four months, even though she was relatively mobile and could have gone for walks with her family. But she refused because she felt she couldn’t move properly anymore.
Her family arranged the treatment. We worked with her for 15 days—that’s our standard post-stroke program.We created a comprehensive plan.
Not only did we improve her mobility and help restore movement in her limbs, but we also lifted her spirits and reignited her motivation.She returned to doing her exercises, went outside, and started walking again with her loved ones.
One recent example: a 72-year-old woman who had suffered a stroke. She gave up very quickly, she didn’t leave the house for four months, even though she was relatively mobile and could have gone for walks with her family. But she refused because she felt she couldn’t move properly anymore.
Her family arranged the treatment. We worked with her for 15 days—that’s our standard post-stroke program.We created a comprehensive plan.
Not only did we improve her mobility and help restore movement in her limbs, but we also lifted her spirits and reignited her motivation.She returned to doing her exercises, went outside, and started walking again with her loved ones.
It is traditionally believed that physiotherapy is a good support in treating many conditions—from ENT diseases to issues with the musculoskeletal system. However, I want to emphasize that our methods also work wonderfully as preventive care. Many health problems can be avoided if you take measures in advance.
For example, our most popular preventive service is electrotherapy. This method uses low-frequency electrical current to stimulate muscles. The electrical stimulation causes repeated, involuntary muscle contractions, which helps strengthen the muscles and prevent atrophy.
Low-frequency current is also used as a protective measure against life-threatening blood clots, which is especially important for bedridden or post-operative patients.
In terms of prevention, electrotherapy is excellent for people with a sedentary lifestyle, particularly those with desk jobs.
The most common consequences of a sedentary lifestyle are osteochondrosis and varicose veins. Preventive electrotherapy helps reduce the risk of these problems and significantly improves quality of life.
For example, our most popular preventive service is electrotherapy. This method uses low-frequency electrical current to stimulate muscles. The electrical stimulation causes repeated, involuntary muscle contractions, which helps strengthen the muscles and prevent atrophy.
Low-frequency current is also used as a protective measure against life-threatening blood clots, which is especially important for bedridden or post-operative patients.
In terms of prevention, electrotherapy is excellent for people with a sedentary lifestyle, particularly those with desk jobs.
The most common consequences of a sedentary lifestyle are osteochondrosis and varicose veins. Preventive electrotherapy helps reduce the risk of these problems and significantly improves quality of life.
I should note that our Center doesn’t just focus on physiotherapy.
The second area of our work is psychological counseling.All of our staff members have a background in psychology. We understand that people are not always ready to fight their illness. Often, they feel drained during treatment. That’s where psychological support becomes vital. We often see this with patients who have suffered a stroke and lost the ability to live a full life or move around.Naturally, the treatment process for such patients is more difficult. If a patient lacks the proper mental attitude, it’s the job of the doctor and medical staff to help them get into the right mindset for treatment and recovery.
The second area of our work is psychological counseling.All of our staff members have a background in psychology. We understand that people are not always ready to fight their illness. Often, they feel drained during treatment. That’s where psychological support becomes vital. We often see this with patients who have suffered a stroke and lost the ability to live a full life or move around.Naturally, the treatment process for such patients is more difficult. If a patient lacks the proper mental attitude, it’s the job of the doctor and medical staff to help them get into the right mindset for treatment and recovery.
Another well-proven method is magnetotherapy. Electromagnetic fields stimulate the production and enhance the effectiveness of biologically active molecules (enzymes, nucleic acids, hormones). This is due to the fact that the energy of magnetic radiation exceeds the energy of thermal motion.
As a result, biochemical reactions and metabolic processes speed up.
Additionally, magnetotherapy transforms cell membranes, alters the properties of intracellular fluid, and boosts cellular metabolism.
This method not only treats a specific pathological process but also contributes to the systemic improvement of the body’s overall functioning.
I really like the effects we see with laser therapy. Low-intensity laser therapy uses light in the optical range.
A beam of light is directed at a specific area of the body. It is absorbed by the tissues and converted into thermal energy, triggering photochemical and photophysical processes.
After the procedure, positive changes occur: the immune system is activated, recovery happens faster, blood circulation normalizes, metabolic and regenerative processes speed up, wounds and tissue damage heal faster, and cellular metabolism is restored.
As a result, biochemical reactions and metabolic processes speed up.
Additionally, magnetotherapy transforms cell membranes, alters the properties of intracellular fluid, and boosts cellular metabolism.
This method not only treats a specific pathological process but also contributes to the systemic improvement of the body’s overall functioning.
I really like the effects we see with laser therapy. Low-intensity laser therapy uses light in the optical range.
A beam of light is directed at a specific area of the body. It is absorbed by the tissues and converted into thermal energy, triggering photochemical and photophysical processes.
After the procedure, positive changes occur: the immune system is activated, recovery happens faster, blood circulation normalizes, metabolic and regenerative processes speed up, wounds and tissue damage heal faster, and cellular metabolism is restored.
Yes, we do help professional athletes and not only after serious injuries but also after periods of extreme physical exertion.I would say physiotherapy plays a key role in treating the musculoskeletal system in athletes. It helps them return to training and competitions with minimal loss of function and relieves pain quickly.
We offer an excellent program for preventing osteochondrosis in all sections of the spine. In fact, we would recommend this treatment as one of the best preventive options even for completely healthy individuals. These preventive courses are included in our gift certificates, which is why many of our patients purchase them as holiday presents for their loved ones.
Natalia, you successfully combine physiotherapeutic treatment with psychological counseling. How do you integrate physical treatment with psychological support to achieve the best outcomes?
Do you offer off-site rehabilitation services?
Does your Center work a lot with sports-related injuries?
What preventive treatments would you recommend for maintaining health and wellbeing?
Natalia, most people associate physiotherapy with traditional methods like electrophoresis and magnets. Your Center offers much more than that.
What distinguishes the personalized approach to patients at your Center?