Anorexia nervosa is a complex condition affecting both the body and the mind. It is characterized by abnormal eating behaviours, fear of gaining weight, a strong desire to be thin, and habits of food restriction or maximizing calorie burning. The attitude towards one’s own body becomes distorted, often resulting in excessive exercise and strong anxiety especially related to a negative and unrealistic body image. This is why physiotherapy is adopted as one part of the treatment process of anorexia nervosa patients. The central themes in physiotherapy are helping the patient gain a more realistic body image and a more accepting body attitude.

The aim of this study was to collect experiences about physiotherapy from the patients recovering from anorexia nervosa. The goal was to yield information about those experiences to support healthcare professionals. The thesis explains the methods used in physiotherapy and how the patients feel about the physiotherapy as a part of the healing process. It was also discovered what kind of things affect the development of the confidential relationship in therapy. The study was conducted applying a qualitative method and the fact-finding consisted of three recorded group conversations. The studied group consisted of four (4) adult women who are recovering from anorexia nervosa.

According to the results the most used methods in the physiotherapy process were educational conversation, bodily exercises and relaxation and breathing exercises. The people in the group felt that physiotherapy was the most effective individual factor in the recovery process and the confidential relationship with the therapist was said to be the most meaningful part of the physiotherapy. That relationship requires an open, accepting and caring atmosphere. Based on the results, physiotherapy which is delivered in a good and confidential relationship has an important role in the recovering process of patients with anorexia nervosa.