Learning and knowing bodies: Norwegian psychomotor physiotherapists' reflections on embodied knowledge

Background: The lived experience is irreducible, and can give access to pre-reflective and implicit, embodied knowledge. There is a lack of research concerning how specialists in Norwegian Psychomotor physiotherapy (NPMP) utilize their patients' embodied knowledge. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore if the NPMP therapists experience the phenomenon listening to the body as a useful source of personal knowledge and motivation in the patient's process of' recovery, and if there could be too much listening to the body? Design and methods: A qualitative study based on empirical data from the interviews with 12 specialists in NPMP. The research data were analyzed using systematic text condensation as analyzing method. Results: Four themes emerged: (1) The negative imperative of the body; (2) The embodied traumatic experiences; (3) The process of creating meaning; and (4) The embodied person emergeswho am I and what choice do I have? The results revealed the importance of becoming aware of embodied experiences, which might represent different aspects of the patients' lives. Conclusion: Embodied knowledge can support the physiotherapists in their clinical practice. The learning and knowing body represents resources of empowerment for the patients.