A breathing space: how young Norwegian women engaging psychomotor physiotherapy to address long-term health disorders narrate their experiences.

Introduction: In Norway, as elsewhere, young people may experience psychological distress and long-lasting pain. Such health disorders can be complex, leading some young people to seek psychomotor physiotherapy treatment. Thus far, however, there has been little qualitative investigation of their experiences.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to gain new knowledge about the illness experiences of young people with long-term health disorders engaging psychomotor physiotherapy.

Method: Qualitative interviews with ten Norwegian women aged 16-24 in psychomotor physiotherapy were analyzed within a narrative framework.

Findings: The participants' treatment experiences take place in the context of a long history of pain, distress, and lack of understanding and support. Their stories tell of being threatened by illness and other difficult life events, and of being placed under further stress by a prolonged and disruptive quest for help within the healthcare system. For participants, psychomotor physiotherapy represents a breathing space where their illness experiences are acknowledged, enabling them to find rest and explore their bodily reactions and habits.

Conclusion: Long-term health disorders represent significant disruptions to the daily lives and relationships of young women. It is important to acknowledge the illness experiences of these young women and establish trustful therapeutic relationships. Psychomotor physiotherapy may offer significant potential as a means to help young people explore and make sense of their illness experiences.