COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH REHABILITATION THROUGH THERAPEUTIC MOVEMENT: A PHYSIOTHERAPY PARADIGM

Abstract

The use of therapeutic movement to support the rehabilitation of individuals with mental health conditions in community settings is an emerging physiotherapy-led approach that integrates movement-based interventions within existing community mental health services. Therapeutic movement therapies offer numerous physiological and psychological benefits, including improvements in cardiovascular fitness, body awareness, neuroplasticity, and emotional regulation. These interventions also support stress management and enhance individuals’ capacity to reintegrate into their communities following experiences of mental health difficulties. This chapter explores the scope and conceptual framework of therapeutic movement in community mental health rehabilitation, along with relevant research methodologies, clinical applications, and evidence-based benefits. It further discusses policy implications, practical challenges, and future directions for physiotherapy-led mental health rehabilitation. Emphasizing the biopsychosocial perspective and community-based rehabilitation (CBR) models, the chapter highlights the vital role of physiotherapy in developing accessible, preventive, and rehabilitative mental health care systems within community contexts.