In office physical therapy or musculoskeletal exams
- Many childhood sexual abuse survivors in one study said that they experienced fear and anxiety even before their first physical therapy appointment. 37
- Since touch is inherent to childhood sexual abuse, being touched during physical therapy can bring back painful feelings and memories for survivors 37
- Survivors may feel vulnerable, especially if they have to undress and put on paper gowns.
- Survivors may be distressed by the power imbalanced related to undressing and
having the provider come in fully clothed to discuss the therapy with them. - Some survivors may have dissociative reactions and feelings of hate or shame
about their bodies during the therapy as a result of memories of sexual abuse. - When CSA memories are triggered, some survivors may experience feelings such
as fear, anxiety, terror, grief or anger 37 - Even ultrasound gel can trigger CSA memories 37
A survivor in one study stated, "[Sitting in the clinic waiting room. I felt] nervous. Apprehensive, not exactly knowing what was going to happen...Just as far as clothing was concerned or...touch, just not knowing..." 37
One survivor said, "And the goo that they put on me for the ultrasound gave me flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia. I just couldn't deal with it." 37
