Can Physical Therapy Be Trauma-Informed? (Yes — And It Should Be)

You might not expect to hear the word “trauma” in a physical therapy office. But for many people, past experiences — medical or otherwise — affect how safe they feel in their bodies and in healthcare spaces.

Trauma-informed care isn’t about diagnosing trauma. It’s about recognizing that trauma histories are common — and creating an environment that supports safety, choice, and control.

Signs you might benefit from trauma-informed PT:

• You’ve felt dismissed or pressured in past medical visits

• You freeze, dissociate, or panic during bodywork or stretching

• You need more control over touch, intensity, or explanations

• You live with PTSD, chronic pain, or anxiety

• You’ve avoided care because it hasn’t felt safe

At Connective Care Physical Therapy, trauma-informed means:

• Consent is ongoing and respected at every step

• You’re encouraged to pause, opt out, or say “no” at any time

• I ask, not assume — especially with hands-on work

• Sessions move at your pace, not mine

• We center your autonomy, always

This isn’t about being “extra sensitive.” It’s about recognizing that the nervous system holds experiences, and healing doesn’t happen in fight-or-flight.

Your care should never retraumatize you. It should restore your sense of safety.
[Give us a call at (631) 448-3764 or email at diana@connectivecarept.com]