Article

The body is central to the practice of physical therapy, but clinical
theory largely neglects the body as a concept. A better understanding of the
embodied experience could enhance delivery of physical therapy.
The purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding of embodiment for
people after stroke while transitioning from the hospital to the home.
METHODS: Seven people with stroke, aged 66 to 89 years, were interviewed 1 month
after discharge from a stroke rehabilitation unit. Interviews were analyzed using
grounded theory methods, and a theoretical model was developed. RESULTS: Two main
themes in the embodied experience of stroke were: (1) "a divergent body-self,"
where participants referred to an objective physical body, separate from their
sense of self, and (2) "a cohesive body-self," reflecting a sense that "it's all
me." The theme "a divergent body-self" included subthemes of a body that was
"strange," "unpredictable," and "effortful." In contrast, the theme "a cohesive
body-self" comprised the subthemes "freedom," "control," and "self-identity,"
reflecting experiences of bodily movement, personal independence, and
self-identity. Participants fluxed between these perspectives, within moments and
over time, with these perspectives influenced by "anchors," including their
environment, knowledge, and attitude. CONCLUSIONS: The bodily experience of
stroke is intimately connected with a person's sense of self.
A person's social
and physical environment, as well as his or her personal attributes, can serve to
"anchor" that person more comfortably within his or her embodied experience of
stroke. Theory that acknowledges the integral connection between body and self
could enhance physical therapist practice.
This study supports the need for
physical therapists to be adequately informed to integrate the embodied
experience in their practice when working with people after stroke.
CI - (c) 2016 American Physical Therapy Association.

Langue : ANGLAIS