Fysioterapeuten (May 2022)
Touch as therapeutic «dance» - A qualitative study of patients’ experiences from Psychomotor Physiotherapy
Abstract
Background: Touch has always been present in physiotherapy practice. Despite that, touch as a phenomenon has been little explored within physiotherapy-related research. The focus of the study was to explore patients’ experiences of touch in Norwegian psychomotor physiotherapy treatment (NPMP), and what therapeutic potentials are associated with touch. Method: Theme-based cross-case analysis was used to review the data based on semi-structured interviews. Theory and insights from NPMP and Benjamin’s intersubjective theory constitute the study´s theoretical perspective. Findings: The findings revealed that the patients experienced touch in NPMP treatment as a two-way interaction. The patient-therapist-relation appears to be crucial to how touch is experienced. The touch itself can also contribute to a closer relationship with the therapist. The therapeutic potentials of touch encompass symptom relief, increased contact with own body, recognition of the connection between lived life, emotional strain and physical health problems, as well as support to the experience of physically anchored existence. Conclusion: Patients in this study experienced touch in NPMP as something they receive and simultaneously as active and mutual interaction. In light of Benjamin’s intersubjective relational theory acknowledging touch emerges as basis in the interplay of touch where physical and verbal interaction can mutually complement each other. Thus, touch acts as source for a patient's self-perception, self-understanding and development.
