Series

Aftershocks: The Physical Effects of Sexual Trauma

Caitlyn Tivy PT, DPT, OCS

The topic of this series—the physical effects of sexual trauma⁠ —is often overlooked or minimized, making it all the more important to understand and discuss. If you have experienced sexual⁠ trauma of any kind, this series is meant for you. Sexual trauma impacts the mind and body in unique ways, and it can leave footprints in the form of physical, mental, and emotional impacts. As a clinician working with survivors of sexual trauma, I frequently encounter these footprints in my clients’ bodies.

I’ll share more about the physical patterns that I and others observe, and we’ll discuss what the research shows about some of the long-term effects of sexual trauma. We’ll also cover some treatments available to address the physical impacts of trauma and review strategies for talking about a history of sexual trauma with current and future sexual partners.

Articles in this series

Experiencing the Aftershocks: The Physical Effects of Sexual Trauma

Caitlyn Tivy PT, DPT, OCS

In this first of a four-article series, you can learn about the specifically physical patterns that pelvic health physical therapist and health writer Caitlyn and others observe in survivors of sexual trauma, and what the research shows about some of sexual trauma's long-term effects.

Reconnecting with the Body: Managing the Physical Impact of Sexual Trauma

Caitlyn Tivy PT, DPT, OCS

This article -- part two of a four part series on the physical effects of sexual trauma -- focuses on treatment options for pelvic effects that survivors may experience. For survivors struggling with pelvic symptoms, pelvic physical therapy can be an invaluable component of a recovery journey.

Aftershocks: One Survivor’s Recovery

Caitlyn Tivy PT, DPT, OCS

In this third installment of this series, we hear from a survivor who developed substantial physical concerns after her trauma experiences. Kayla* is a survivor of multiple episodes of sexual trauma, and she has undergone extensive care for her post-traumatic symptoms.

Aftershocks: Talking about the Physical Effects of Sexual Trauma

Caitlyn Tivy PT, DPT, OCS

The last installment in a series on the physical effects of sexual trauma. To conclude the series, we’re talking about talking: namely, how to talk with sexual partners about any physical effects that you have experienced as a survivor of sexual trauma.