Physiotherapy as relational practice – treatment of torture survivors
Background: Treating torture survivors and other patient groups having experienced life-threatening situations, poses great challenges for the therapist in order to avoid re-traumatising the patient. It is of the utmost importance to conduct a thorough examination and treatment respecting the patien...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | Danish |
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Norwegian Physiotherapist Association
2016-04-01
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| Series: | Fysioterapeuten |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://fysioterapeuten.no/Fag-og-vitenskap/Fagartikler/Fysioterapi-som-relationel-praksis-behandling-af-torturoverlevere |
| Summary: | Background: Treating torture survivors and other patient groups having experienced life-threatening situations, poses great challenges for the therapist in order to avoid re-traumatising the patient. It is of the utmost importance to conduct a thorough examination and treatment respecting the patient’s sense of meaning and experience of the world. This strengthens the patient’s sense of control and influence on his or her life.
Method: Qualitative approach describing examination and treatment of two torture survivors. The analytical weight being on the differences between patients. Description of general considerations regarding supporting and re-orienting treatment based on the Norwegian psycho-motor tradition and a phenomenological understanding of the body. Discussion: Key features in the examination of the two patients are presented including how summarizing conversations and physical findings are decisive in choosing treatment. Two different treatment progressions are brought forward focusing on specific and delimited actions intending to strengthen the vulnerable patient. This also provides a more re-orientating treatment of a patient, who can cope with handing over more control. Conclusion: Examination and treatment adapted to the individual patient can provide vulnerable patients with an experience of support, coping, recognition and cohesion making the treatment aid self-help. |
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| ISSN: | 0016-3384 0807-9277 |