Introduction

Traumatic experiences affect the body, mind, and emotional self-regulation. First-line practitioners should recognise that trauma survivors may present with physical symptoms ranging from sleep problems and substance use to various systemic disorders. Trauma connects to chronic health conditions, making trauma-informed healthcare essential. Practitioners must understand common trauma responses and stress reactions. This course provides an overview of trauma types, their varied physical and psychological effects on individuals, and potential impacts on therapeutic relationship engagement. This course contains detailed discussions of trauma and its effects, including case examples that may be emotionally challenging.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• explain the impact of trauma in a person on the emotional, physical, cognitive, social, and behavioral realms
• describe the five different immediate and delayed reactions to trauma
• plan patient education regarding the physiological reactions of trauma, how traumatic experiences can affect the vagus nerve, the gut’s microbiome, heart rate variability (HRV) and the effect of exercise
• describe the core concepts of the polyvagal theory
• list the three phylogenetic stages within the polyvagal theory
• describe the key elements of the Identity Oriented Psychotrauma Theory (IoPT) in relation to identity, perpetrator - victim dynamics, and overcoming strategies
• justify the importance of physical activity/exercise in Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD)

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, nurses or medical doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

• Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.
• Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 8-8.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.
• Types of Activities - This course includes instructional and/or practical videos, reading activities, AI supported learning activities, reflection, evaluation forms, a quiz and additional resources.
• Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 7.9 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility and Non-Discrimination Policy

Physiopedia Plus is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible learning environment for all participants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, national origin, religion, sex, disability, military status, sexual orientation or age in any aspect of our continuing education services. We are dedicated to ensuring that all learners can fully participate in our programmes. Participants who require accommodations or have special needs are encouraged to contact us with details so that we can make all reasonable efforts to meet these requirements.