Photo: Motorica
Prosthetics is primarily a system of assistance for people who have lost a limb or were born without one. In Russia, this is part of the state rehabilitation system: prostheses are classified as technical means of rehabilitation (TMR) and in most cases can be obtained at budget expense.
Functional and bionic devices have long been rare: they were expensive, dependent on imports, and not always integrated into the state provision system. In recent years, solutions have emerged in Russia that give people not only support but also the opportunity to return to familiar movements, work, sports, and daily activities.
This case is about patients for whom prosthetics became a turning point: from embarrassment and refusal of prosthesis to acceptance of the "new arm" as part of themselves, from everyday limitations to a sense of control over their own lives. These are stories of people who use modern functional and bionic prostheses, talk about rehabilitation, prosthesis selection, interaction with the TMR system, and how technologies gradually transform from metal structures into tools of independence.
Motorica's experience is important as an example of how private teams together with physicians, engineers, and users themselves change the approach to prosthetics: from a standard product to an individual digital device integrated into a person's daily life. We will tell in detail how they receive prostheses, learn to use them, what changes in self-perception, plans, and qualitative rehabilitation indicators. The stories of these people are in Marus Media's case.
Company Profile
Motorica emerged in the mid-2010s and has evolved from an engineering project into one of the most prominent and influential players in the prosthetics market. With growing patient numbers and an expanding product line, Motorica has developed not only as a manufacturer but as a rehabilitation partner, accompanying individuals from initial contact through prosthetic adaptation.
Today, the company produces a broad line of modern prostheses and assistive devices:
- Functional and active mechanical prostheses – devices controlled by user effort without electronics, allowing for grip and simple movements; these prostheses are suitable for both children from age 2 and adults.
- Bionic (myoelectric) arm and hand prostheses – featuring electronic EMG sensors that read muscle signals, providing more precise control of finger and hand movements.
- Various amputation-level prostheses: fingers, hand, forearm, and shoulder, with programmable gestures and mobile connectivity for adjustment.
- Hand and forearm prostheses – from lightweight models to more complex versions with batteries and app-based configuration.
- Related technologies and accessories – for example, devices for smartphone touchscreen interaction, custom attachments, and a wide spectrum of colors and designs according to user preference.
Motorica is gradually expanding its range: after acquiring a 50.01% stake in a wheelchair manufacturing facility in 2024, the company gained access to over 30 wheelchair models, commode chairs, and lifts, which are part of a comprehensive rehabilitation approach. Additionally, the company is developing directions related to neurotechnology and prosthetic sensation, including work on systems that help users feel objects or reduce phantom pain, and participates in research on integrating new sensory and controlled interfaces.
Since its founding, Motorica has fitted and installed over 8,000 prostheses for users from more than 15 countries worldwide, including CIS and Asian countries, and in January 2025, the company opened its own representative office in New Delhi, India, to expand its presence and provide on-site client support.
Patient Stories
Sergey Bachu: Bilateral Arm Amputation Due to Electrical Trauma
The life of 39-year-old Sergey Bachu changed in one day – as a child, he attempted to climb a high-voltage pole, received a severe electric shock, and woke up in the hospital without both arms. Physicians made the amputation decision: in late 1990s Moldova, patients were rarely informed about such matters in advance. For nearly 18 years, Sergey lived without prostheses. He learned to manage daily life and work, but adaptation was difficult, and today he honestly admits: "You never fully get used to it." Prostheses simply didn't exist then – neither the technology nor the access.
When modern prostheses finally became available, a new phase began – training. Sergey recalls: "It's important to transfer as many tasks as possible to the prostheses. They don't completely replace hands, but they significantly expand capabilities. This is a tool you need to learn to master." With the introduction of technology, life turned in a different direction. Sergey became a test pilot for Motorica's cyberproducts and for the first time received a chance not only to perform daily tasks but to return to active life. He mastered DJ equipment, rock climbing, and even snowboarding: "Every year is a new challenge. Prostheses aren't magic, but with them you can choose how to live again."
Sergey is also one of the most experienced participants in cybathletics – an international discipline for users of assistive technologies, where participants navigate complex courses and perform precisely timed tasks using prostheses, wheelchairs, and other TMR. "This isn't just sport, but a demonstration of how modern prosthetics returns control over the body – and over life," Sergey shares.
Vladimir Baldin: Shoulder Amputation Due to Mechanical Trauma
54-year-old Vladimir Baldin from Yuzhnoralsk lost his right arm two years ago after an accident with a motorized paraglider – his arm was caught in the propeller. He spent the first weeks after amputation in the hospital, trying to understand how he would live moving forward. The decisive factor was family support and rapid search for prosthetic options.
While still hospitalized, family members contacted Motorica. Specialists remotely assessed the residual limb condition, consulted with the attending physician, and prepared a rehabilitation plan. Vladimir underwent examination and casting in Moscow, and within a month received a bionic shoulder prosthesis with microprocessor control.
Training proved challenging: the bionic arm responds to specific muscle signals, and the user must rebuild motor control. However, thanks to support from Motorica specialists, Vladimir mastered the device and gradually integrated its use into daily life. Today he independently cooks, drives a car, ties shoelaces, works with small objects, and operates a smartphone. According to him, the prosthesis doesn't replace the lost arm but significantly expands functional capabilities – "from holding fragile objects to household tasks that previously seemed impossible with amputation."
To support others facing limb loss, Vladimir maintains a Telegram channel where he shares practical recommendations for adaptation and prosthesis adjustment. His main message: modern prostheses must be actively used – skill comes only through practice.
Vladimir's story demonstrates that access to modern prosthetics, timely rehabilitation, and support from qualified specialists enable patients to rapidly restore independence and return to active life – even after severe trauma.
Expert Commentary
Alina Kuzyakina, Rehabilitation Physician at Motorica:
Amputation is not only a surgical intervention but also a serious psychological trauma. It's important to understand that recovery includes two parallel processes: physical rehabilitation and adaptation to changes in body image and familiar lifestyle.
1. Allow yourself to experience emotions.
Fear, irritability, depression – these are typical reactions to limb loss. These states are natural and don't require "suppression." It's more effective to acknowledge them and, if necessary, engage a psychologist or psychotherapist to prevent prolonged grief reaction.
2. Follow recommendations for residual limb care.
This is a key factor affecting the timing and possibility of prosthetic fitting. Important considerations:
– Daily monitoring of skin condition;
– Prevention of contractures (regular exercises, physical therapy);
– Edema management (bandaging or compression garments);
– Restoration of range of motion in joints and sensitivity of surrounding tissues.
Proper residual limb preparation accelerates prosthetic fitting and improves comfort in prosthesis use.
3. Begin prosthetic preparation early.
The sooner you receive consultation from a prosthetist and rehabilitation specialist, the easier adaptation will be. It's important to understand in advance:
– Which type of prosthesis is suitable for your amputation level;
– What functions it can perform;
– What demands will be placed on you during the training phase;
– How the prosthesis will look and feel.
Clear understanding of rehabilitation stages forms realistic expectations and reduces anxiety.
4. Ask questions and actively participate in the recovery process.
Success in prosthetics depends not only on prosthesis design but also on your motivation. Regular training, physical therapy, work on endurance and usage technique – these are mandatory parts of returning to functional activity.
5. Engage professional support.
If you experience:
– Pronounced anxiety,
– Prolonged apathy,
– Sleep problems,
– Persistent avoidance of social contacts, seeking a specialist is a timely measure, not a sign of weakness.
Psychological support enables faster adaptation and preservation of quality of life.
6. Remember the long-term perspective.
Rehabilitation is not a return to a previous state but mastery of new capabilities. Modern prostheses allow return to work, sports, and familiar daily life. With regular self-work and competent specialist support, most patients achieve a high level of independence.
Your task is to remain engaged in the process, follow medical recommendations, and not be afraid to ask for help when truly needed.
All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All medical procedures require prior consultation with a licensed physician. Treatment outcomes may vary depending on individual characteristics. We do not guarantee any specific results. Always consult a medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.