Physiotherapy in certain aspects of psychosomatic medicine

The author describes a combined approach, called psychomotoric treatment, for patients with emotionally conditioned, somatic symptoms, such as headache, backache, neck-shoulder-arm pains, postural disorders and inhibited respiration. Many of these patients have previously been treated in vain with tranquilizers and ordinary physiotherapy. The physiotherapeutic part of the treatment (psychomotoric physiotherapy) is based on a comprehensive view of the muscular apparatus and functioning as a whole with emphasis on correction of postural disorders and liberation of respiration. It should also include close cooperation with the doctor, who may be called upon when emotional inhibition impedes further progress of the physiotherapy. The main indication area for this treatment is the clientele of the general practitioner. Patients with clear psychiatric symptoms should be treated only if anchored in a secure psychotherapeutic situation.