Fortolkning av kroppslige væremåter: en kasusbeskrivelse i psykomotorisk fysioterapi

Abstract

Background: Interpretation is a natural element in clinical encounters. The aim of this research was to explore more in depth interpretation as phenomenon in a clinical setting. The purpose has been to study how interpretations of bodily expressions and reactions is organised during a treatment session and analyse how it affects what takes place in the clinical encounter. Method and material: The study is based on a Hermeneutical and Phenomeonological philosophy of science, and is presented as a case-study. The results of the study is based on a video recording of a treatment session in Psychomotor Physiotherapy and two interviews based on a review of the treatment session. The first interview was done with the physiotherapist responsible for the treatment session, and later another interview was completed with an external psychomotor physiotherapist (not involved with the treatment itself). The aim during interviews was to learn how therapists understand important situations taking place during the clinical encounter. Results: It becomes clear that the psychomotor physiotherapist interprets and points out bodily habits and reactions of the patient according to a body-phenomenological philosophy of science. Interpretations predominantly build on the main topic of the session, an abstract term; whether the patient “makes space for herself or not”. In light of this, ambiguous situations are illustrated when bodily expressions and reactions are interpreted. The structure of participation and the way questions are being formulated, appears playing a significant role as to how the therapist lands on different interpretations. In addition, pointing out expressions seems to create breaches in the interaction and uncomfortable reactions for the patient. Humor and compliant attitude is discussed as simple means, used by therapist and patient accordingly, in order to adjust and recover the situations. Conclusion: Interpretation and pointing out bodily expressions and reactions appears respectively to be a delicate and vulnerable process in the clinical encounter. The practise of making patients more conscious of their own bodily expressions and reactions, stands out as an interesting topic for further studies.