Identifying contrasting embodied voices of identity: a qualitative meta-synthesis of experiences of change among patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in long-term physiotherapy

Abstract

Background The aim is to identify and synthesize qualitative research findings about patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in long-term Norwegian psychomotor physiotherapy, in connection to their voices of meaning of embodied experiences of change and the possible influence on their identities. Methodology We systematically searched for qualitative studies in English in ten databases: AMED, Cinahl, Cochrane, Embase, Medline, PsychInfo, Scopus, SportDiscus, Svemed, and Web of Science. We included and analyzed nine publications using meta-ethnography. Bachtin’s polyphonic voice perspective influenced the analysis. Results Three overarching themes emerged: 1) voices of body and mind as disconnected and connected; 2) ambiguous voices in the therapeutic relationship; and 3) identification of embodied voices of constraint and freedom influence identity. Conclusions The patients’ polyphonic voices of ambiguous and contrasting expressions of embodied sensations and the therapeutic relationship in inner and external dialog seemed to facilitate the choices of change and the creation of new identities. In practice, the physiotherapists’ consciousness of the patients’ concurrent polyphonic voices may improve change in treatment.