Patients with traumatizing life experiences: a survey of psychomotor physiotherapists' contributions

• Published in: Fysioterapeuten
• Main Authors: Randi Sviland, Tove Dragesund
• Format: Article
• Language: Danish
• Published: Norwegian Physiotherapist Association 2025-09-01
• Subjects: psychomotor physiotherapy; traumatizing; life experience
• Online Access: https://www.fysioterapeuten.no/fagfellevurdert-psykomotorisk-fysioterapi-traumer/pasienter-med-traumatiserende-livserfaringer-en-sporreundersokelse-av-psykomotoriske-fysioterapeuters-behandlingsbidrag/159411
• ISSN: 0016-3384; 0807-9277

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to gain more knowledge about the extent to which psychomotor physiotherapists work with patients who have traumatic life experiences, how they adapt treatment and how they experience the frames of their work. Method: A web-based questionnaire, with closed and open questions, was developed for psychomotor physiotherapists particularly adapted for those working in the primary health care services. Those working in the specialist health care services were only asked to describe the extent to which they are involved in treating patients with such experiences. The questionnaire was sent by e-mail via the psychomotor physiotherapy professional group in the Norwegian Physiotherapist Association to all the 445 members. The closed and open questions were analysed separately. Results: 91 physiotherapists from the primary health care and 29 from the specialist health care, responded to the questionnaire. The results indicate that psychomotor physiotherapists work extensively with patients who have traumatizing life experiences, including refugee background. Those working in primary health care describe how, with this bodily approach, they place great emphasis on developing a sense of safety in the treatment relationship. They often feel left alone with the responsibility for patients with complex conditions and high symptom burden. They call for better interdisciplinary cooperation, more guidance and expertise, and more resources. Conclusion: Psychomotor physiotherapists play a part in the treatment of patients with traumatic life experiences. The study suggests that more research and competence development in the field and better interdisciplinary collaboration may reinforce the health care services for traumatised patients and improve working conditions for physiotherapists.