Abstract
Working with groups is a prime strategy for health professionals, and it involves a process of subjectivity and establishment of community ties. A group of women in post-operative shoulder treatment was formed at the physiotherapy clinic of a hospital installed in the city of Curitiba, capital of the state of Paraná, Brazil, aiming to enhance the effects of conventional therapy, giving these women conditions to better cope with their pain and functional limitations. Qualitative research was carried out, which enabled the establishment of a description of the group process, as well as direct and extended contact with the subjects during six workshops held from October 2012 to March 2013. The women reported that the group was a welcoming space, where they shared life experiences, made friends, and learned from each other. This allowed them to rethink their behavior and enabled possibilities for changing attitudes. It was concluded that, given the need for humanization in care with a view to comprehensive care, using groups to support the physiotherapy process can be a strategy for a less reductionist practice that recognizes other people's needs.
Keywords
group; physiotherapy; completeness