Rehabilitation for Survivors of Torture: Difference between revisions
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== The Physical and Mental Impact of Torture and Trauma == | == The Physical and Mental Impact of Torture and Trauma == | ||
Trauma encompasses any event | Trauma encompasses any event that is experienced as being emotionally harmful and has a lasting negative impact on the individual's well-being.<ref name=":1">SAMHSA's Trauma and Justice Strategic Initiative. SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. Rockville, MD: Office of Policy, Planning and Innovation, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; July 2014</ref> Torture is a specific type of trauma in which mental or physical suffering is purposely inflicted to punish, coerce, or intimidate a person or third party.<ref>United Nations. Convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. New York, 10 December 1984 | ||
</ref> Methods of torture include beatings, suspension, forced positions, strapping, electroshock, and sexual violence. The nature of these methods make injury to the musculoskeletal, neurological, and integumentary systems common.<ref>Gueron, LP. Physical Therapy for Survivors of Torture. Center for Victims of Torture. April 17, 2013.</ref> Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are psychological sequelae that may persist well after physical wounds have healed. Moreover, ongoing psychological stress can manifest in the form of chronic somatic pain. | </ref> Methods of torture include beatings, suspension, forced positions, strapping, electroshock, and sexual violence. The nature of these methods make injury to the musculoskeletal, neurological, and integumentary systems common.<ref name=":2">Gueron, LP. [https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/presentation/3b27/cbcece290c762e20c2dae6652e7d75e514f9.pdf Physical Therapy for Survivors of Torture]. Center for Victims of Torture. April 17, 2013.</ref> Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are psychological sequelae that may persist well after physical wounds have healed. Moreover, ongoing psychological stress can manifest in the form of chronic somatic pain. | ||
== General Considerations == | == General Considerations == | ||
In light of the physical consequences of trauma and torture, physical therapy is an important part of recovery for survivors. A [ | In light of the physical consequences of trauma and torture, physical therapy is an important part of recovery for survivors. A [https://www.samhsa.gov/nctic/trauma-interventions trauma-informed approach] to patient care can promote healing by establishing an environment characterized by safety, empowerment, trust, collaboration, and cultural competence.<ref name=":1" /> The table below outlines a list of considerations and strategies for establishing a therapeutic treatment environment: | ||
'''Strategies to Avoid Client Re-traumatization''' | '''Strategies to Avoid Client Re-traumatization''' | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
! | ! | ||
| Line 26: | Line 26: | ||
|English may not be the client's first language. | |English may not be the client's first language. | ||
| | | | ||
* Use of an interpreter to facilitate clear communication and the expression of subtle experiences and feelings. | * Use of an interpreter to facilitate clear communication and the expression of subtle experiences and feelings.<ref name=":3">Franklin C. Physiotherapy with Torture Survivors. Physiotherapy Journal, 87 (7): 374-377, July 2001</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Sensitivity to working with individuals of the opposite sex. | |Sensitivity to working with individuals of the opposite sex. | ||
| Line 36: | Line 36: | ||
|Fear of being let down. | |Fear of being let down. | ||
| | | | ||
* Be consistent and on time to therapy sessions. | * Be consistent and on time to therapy sessions.<ref name=":2" /> | ||
* Encourage realistic client expectations. | * Encourage realistic client expectations.<ref name=":3" /> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Fear of loss of privacy. | |Fear of loss of privacy. | ||
| | | | ||
* Respect client confidentiality. | * Respect client confidentiality. | ||
* Make sure interpreters know that respect for client confidentiality | * Make sure interpreters know that rules regarding respect for client confidentiality extend to them as well.<ref name=":3" /> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| rowspan="2" |'''Safety''' | | rowspan="2" |'''Safety''' | ||
|Certain positions, settings, equipment, or treatment interventions can provoke discomfort and flashbacks. | |Certain positions, settings, equipment, or treatment interventions can provoke discomfort and flashbacks. | ||
| | | | ||
* Explain procedures to | * Explain all procedures to clients beforehand.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> | ||
* Ask for permission before touching a client. Check ongoing tolerance to physical touch. | * Ask for permission before touching a client. Check ongoing tolerance to physical touch.<ref name=":2" /> | ||
* | * Give clients choices related to treatment (ex. treatment positions, speed of progression, intervention focus, choice of modalities)<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> | ||
* Caution with mirrors, bright lights, and uniforms. | * Caution with mirrors, bright lights, and uniforms.<ref name=":3" /> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Sensitivity to prolonged questioning and interrogation. | |Sensitivity to prolonged questioning and interrogation. | ||
| | | | ||
* Gather history using an open listening/discussion approach. | * Gather history using an open listening/discussion approach.<ref name=":3" /> | ||
* Avoid excessive questioning. | * Avoid excessive questioning.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> | ||
* Break up initial evaluations over several sessions. | * Break up initial evaluations over several sessions.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> | ||
|} | |} | ||
== Assessment == | == Assessment == | ||
While there is no limit to the impairments and functional limitations that trauma can cause, patterns in symptoms may exist. The following is a collection of common findings that may be noted during the history taking and examination process: | While there is no limit to the impairments and functional limitations that trauma can cause, patterns in symptoms may exist. The following is a collection of common findings that may be noted during the history taking and examination process:<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4">Dee J & Gamble A. [https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.aptahpa.org/resource/resmgr/CSM/Gamble_CSM_Working_with_Surv.pdf Working with Survivors of Trauma and Torture.] Translating Evidence to Practice. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. San Antonio; February 15-19; 2017</ref> | ||
* Headaches | * Headaches | ||
* Chronic pain of the joints and muscles | * Chronic pain of the joints and muscles | ||
| Line 70: | Line 70: | ||
* Decreased mobility | * Decreased mobility | ||
* Inability to perform activities of daily living | * Inability to perform activities of daily living | ||
* Impaired self-regulation (breathing rate & pattern, relaxation) | * Impaired self-regulation (ex. breathing rate & pattern, energy levels, and relaxation) | ||
* Impaired sensation and body awareness | * Impaired sensation and body awareness | ||
Further insight into client presentation can be gleaned from injury context and comorbidities. In particular, psychological conditions and maladaptive coping strategies can modulate how clients experience pain and other symptoms impacting function. For instance, while [https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/dissociative-disorders/what-are-dissociative-disorders dissociation] can be an effective mechanism for surviving torture, afterwards it can lead to difficulties in localizing pain and coordinating body movement. | Further insight into client presentation can be gleaned from injury context and comorbidities. In particular, psychological conditions and maladaptive coping strategies can modulate how clients experience pain and other symptoms impacting function.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4" /> For instance, while [https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/dissociative-disorders/what-are-dissociative-disorders dissociation] can be an effective mechanism for surviving torture, afterwards it can lead to difficulties in localizing pain and coordinating body movement.<ref name=":2" /> Thus, screening for psychiatric symptoms and affective barriers, like [[depression]] and [https://www.physio-pedia.com/Fear%E2%80%90Avoidance_Belief_Questionnaire fear avoidance] behavior, should be part of the physical therapy evaluation.<ref name=":4" /> If positive, referral for psychological support (ex. counseling & psychotherapy) is warranted. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Physical therapy intervention should emphasize empowerment and collaboration. Clients should be partners in determining the acceptability and progression of techniques, especially in the case of electrical equipment and hands-on techniques that may trigger re-traumatization. When in doubt, the use of potential triggers should be deferred to maintain client trust and safety. Group sessions, self-regulation, and relaxation training are interventions that may complement traditional | Physical therapy intervention should emphasize empowerment and collaboration. Clients should be partners in determining the acceptability and progression of techniques, especially in the case of electrical equipment and hands-on techniques that may trigger re-traumatization.<ref name=":2" /> When in doubt, the use of potential triggers should be deferred to maintain client trust and safety. Group sessions, self-regulation, and relaxation training are interventions that may complement traditional physical therapy sessions well.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" /> | ||
[[File:Relax-1276639 1920.jpg|center|thumb|500x500px|Source: Pixabay, License: CC0]] | [[File:Relax-1276639 1920.jpg|center|thumb|500x500px|Source: Pixabay, License: CC0]] | ||
Ongoing education and home exercise programs are instrumental in promoting self-efficacy. For those experiencing chronic pain, pain science is key for re-framing clients' understanding of movement and | Ongoing education and home exercise programs are instrumental in promoting self-efficacy. For those experiencing chronic pain, pain science is key for re-framing clients' understanding of movement and painful stimuli.<ref name=":4" /> However, in teaching self-management strategies, physical therapists must account for psychosocial factors that impact adherence.<ref name=":3" /> Outside of physical and psychological recovery, many forcibly displaced persons are also dealing with financial and legal problems, unsatisfactory living conditions, adaptation to a new culture, family separation, and religious, racial and/or ethnic hostilities. Complex clinical and social circumstances may slow the rehabilitation process significantly.<ref name=":3" /> These conditions may necessitate more modest goal setting and criteria for client progress. | ||
== Conclusion == | == Conclusion == | ||
System or organization wide measures should be implemented to give physical therapists the flexibility and support needed to effectively work with forcibly displaced persons and survivors of torture. | System or organization wide measures should be implemented to give physical therapists the flexibility and support needed to effectively work with forcibly displaced persons and survivors of trauma and torture.<ref name=":3" /> Doing so is essential to promote healing in a sustainable and patient-centered manner. | ||
== | == Further Reading == | ||
*[https://healtorture.org/content/physical-therapyphysiotherapy healingtorture.org]- Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy | *[https://healtorture.org/content/physical-therapyphysiotherapy healingtorture.org]- Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Revision as of 13:26, 3 October 2018
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
Individuals who have experienced torture and severe trauma are found throughout the international community. Among the most vulnerable are persons who have been forcibly displaced from their homes. According to the UNHCR[1], this includes 25.4 million refugees, 40 million internally displaced persons, and 3.1 million asylum-seekers. Before and during flight, many forcibly displaced individuals experience traumatic events such as imprisonment, torture, loss of property & livelihood, physical abuse, separation from family, and malnutrition.[2] These conditions can result in serious physical and psychological harm.
As the population of forcibly displaced persons continues to grow,[1] so does the reach of its social, physical, and psychological consequences. As a result, physical therapists are increasingly likely to work with patients who have experienced severe trauma or torture. In order to meet the comprehensive rehabilitation needs of this population, it's imperative that physical therapists be aware of and address special considerations for patient care.
The Physical and Mental Impact of Torture and Trauma[edit | edit source]
Trauma encompasses any event that is experienced as being emotionally harmful and has a lasting negative impact on the individual's well-being.[3] Torture is a specific type of trauma in which mental or physical suffering is purposely inflicted to punish, coerce, or intimidate a person or third party.[4] Methods of torture include beatings, suspension, forced positions, strapping, electroshock, and sexual violence. The nature of these methods make injury to the musculoskeletal, neurological, and integumentary systems common.[5] Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are psychological sequelae that may persist well after physical wounds have healed. Moreover, ongoing psychological stress can manifest in the form of chronic somatic pain.
General Considerations[edit | edit source]
In light of the physical consequences of trauma and torture, physical therapy is an important part of recovery for survivors. A trauma-informed approach to patient care can promote healing by establishing an environment characterized by safety, empowerment, trust, collaboration, and cultural competence.[3] The table below outlines a list of considerations and strategies for establishing a therapeutic treatment environment:
Strategies to Avoid Client Re-traumatization
| Consideration | Strategies | |
|---|---|---|
| Language and Culture | English may not be the client's first language. |
|
| Sensitivity to working with individuals of the opposite sex. |
| |
| Trust | Fear of being let down. | |
| Fear of loss of privacy. |
| |
| Safety | Certain positions, settings, equipment, or treatment interventions can provoke discomfort and flashbacks. |
|
| Sensitivity to prolonged questioning and interrogation. |
Assessment[edit | edit source]
While there is no limit to the impairments and functional limitations that trauma can cause, patterns in symptoms may exist. The following is a collection of common findings that may be noted during the history taking and examination process:[5][6][7]
- Headaches
- Chronic pain of the joints and muscles
- Changes in vision
- Dizziness
- Postural impairments
- Sleep disturbances
- Muscle tension and weakness
- Muscular imbalances
- Decreased mobility
- Inability to perform activities of daily living
- Impaired self-regulation (ex. breathing rate & pattern, energy levels, and relaxation)
- Impaired sensation and body awareness
Further insight into client presentation can be gleaned from injury context and comorbidities. In particular, psychological conditions and maladaptive coping strategies can modulate how clients experience pain and other symptoms impacting function.[5][7] For instance, while dissociation can be an effective mechanism for surviving torture, afterwards it can lead to difficulties in localizing pain and coordinating body movement.[5] Thus, screening for psychiatric symptoms and affective barriers, like depression and fear avoidance behavior, should be part of the physical therapy evaluation.[7] If positive, referral for psychological support (ex. counseling & psychotherapy) is warranted.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Physical therapy intervention should emphasize empowerment and collaboration. Clients should be partners in determining the acceptability and progression of techniques, especially in the case of electrical equipment and hands-on techniques that may trigger re-traumatization.[5] When in doubt, the use of potential triggers should be deferred to maintain client trust and safety. Group sessions, self-regulation, and relaxation training are interventions that may complement traditional physical therapy sessions well.[5][6][7]
Ongoing education and home exercise programs are instrumental in promoting self-efficacy. For those experiencing chronic pain, pain science is key for re-framing clients' understanding of movement and painful stimuli.[7] However, in teaching self-management strategies, physical therapists must account for psychosocial factors that impact adherence.[6] Outside of physical and psychological recovery, many forcibly displaced persons are also dealing with financial and legal problems, unsatisfactory living conditions, adaptation to a new culture, family separation, and religious, racial and/or ethnic hostilities. Complex clinical and social circumstances may slow the rehabilitation process significantly.[6] These conditions may necessitate more modest goal setting and criteria for client progress.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
System or organization wide measures should be implemented to give physical therapists the flexibility and support needed to effectively work with forcibly displaced persons and survivors of trauma and torture.[6] Doing so is essential to promote healing in a sustainable and patient-centered manner.
Further Reading[edit | edit source]
- healingtorture.org- Physical Therapy/Physiotherapy
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 UNHCR. Refugee Statistics [Internet] Washington, D.C.: UNHCR [Cited September 29, 2018]. Available from: https://www.unrefugees.org/refugee-facts/statistics/
- ↑ Refugee Health Technical Assistance Center. Traumatic Experiences of Refugees [Internet]. [Cited September 29, 2018]. Available from: https://refugeehealthta.org/physical-mental-health/mental-health/adult-mental-health/traumatic-experiences-of-refugees/
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 SAMHSA's Trauma and Justice Strategic Initiative. SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach. Rockville, MD: Office of Policy, Planning and Innovation, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; July 2014
- ↑ United Nations. Convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. New York, 10 December 1984
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 5.11 Gueron, LP. Physical Therapy for Survivors of Torture. Center for Victims of Torture. April 17, 2013.
- ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 Franklin C. Physiotherapy with Torture Survivors. Physiotherapy Journal, 87 (7): 374-377, July 2001
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Dee J & Gamble A. Working with Survivors of Trauma and Torture. Translating Evidence to Practice. APTA Combined Sections Meeting. San Antonio; February 15-19; 2017
