SEKSUAALNE REHABILITATSIOON JA FÜSIOTERAAPIA OSA SELLES
Sexual rehabilitation and the role of physiotherapy
Ingrit Part, Ivi Vaher
Abstract The aim of the survey was to give an overview of sexuality among physically disabled people, sexual rehabilitation and the role of physiotherapy based on modern scientific literature. Literature sources were collected by using scientific books and databases such as EBSCO, Google Scholar, PubMed and SpringerLink. Selection criteria for literature sources involved correspondence to the aim of the study and free peer-reviewed full-text accessibility. Based on the literature review the following conclusions were made: 1. Physical disability has a significant impact on sexuality and sexual health, leading to the decrease of sexual activity and satisfaction. Having a disability can result in changes of self-esteem and self-image, also dyspnoea, pain, exhaustion, emotional tension, anxiety, depression, impotence and decreased sexual drive. Sexual functions are also impacted by physical limitations – a loss of muscular strength, decrease in the range of motion and aerobic capability. People with physical disabilities are also more frequently carrying sexually transmitted diseases and become victims of sexual abuse. 2. The goal of sexual rehabilitation is to increase sexual satisfaction by increasing awareness, teaching new techniques and methods, and overcoming complications, stereotypes and fears. Several supporting models have been developed to conduct the evaluation process – Bancroft, P-LISS-IT, Kaplan and ALLOW. The most widely is used the communication model P-LI-SS-IT. The sexual rehabilitation intervention process includes counselling, applying pharmacological and surgical treatment, but also suggesting the use of devices which enhance sexual capability. It is important to pay attention 233
