International survey of the utilisation of physiotherapy in treatment centers for survivors of torture

Abstract

Introduction: Literature about treatment of survivors of torture tends to focus on coun-seling and primary medical care. There are fewer articles about the utilisation of physiotherapy (PS) at treatment centers for survivors of torture and other forms of trauma. Methods: A survey about utilisation of PS at treatment centers for survivors (n = 87). Results: Approximately 30% of centers report that their patients have no access to PS, one third having physiotherapy on staff. One third of responding torture treatment programs reported being able to refer to physiotherapists (PT) outside of their centers. Therapeutic ex-ercise, manual therapy, massage, group activities and exercises were the most commonly reported treatment modalities provided by PT. Lack of funds or resources and shortage of physiotherapy personnel were perceived as being the biggest challenges limiting patients’ access to PS. Twenty-nine of the respondents (33%) were PT, and of these, 90% reported being interested in collaborative activities with other PT working with survivor of torture.