Fysioterapeuten (Nov 2019)
: Psychomotor physiotherapy for people with adverse childhood experiences – A qualitative in-depth interview study
Abstract
Background and aim: Patients with complex health problems constitute a growing part of the society’s health challenges. Complexity of symptoms seem to be associated with adverse childhood experiences. So far, there is little research on the treatment given to this patient group through Norwegian psychomotor therapy. The aim of this study is to explore how psychomotor physiotherapists describe their approach towards patients with traumatic life experiences and complex symptoms. Design: A qualitative phenomenological hermeneutic design. Methods: Six psychomotor physiotherapists took part in individual semi structured in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed according to systematic text condensation. Results: The psychomotor physiotherapists described three experience-based themes: Treatment modalities (I), relational factors (II) and holistic approach (III). The sub-themes were: Bodily consciousness and knowledge transference (II), trust/relational assurance and exploratory approach (II), and holistic understanding and interdisciplinary collaboration (IV). Conclusion: The psychomotor physiotherapists described that they contributed to increased bodily consciousness, which can provide understanding and assurance of one’s own reactions. They provided assurance and trust in the relation through an exploratory and acknowledging approach and contributed with a holistic understanding of the patient’s problems. Difficult professional terminology can be a challenge towards good communication in interdisciplinary collaboration.
