When we hear the term “trauma,” it often brings to mind a specific event that causes physical or psychological harm. However, trauma is much more than that and can be when we consider complicated trauma and c-PTSD (Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). In this case both terms have the word trauma in it, but it seems that they are different experiences that need different treatment. This blog will explain what complex trauma on the knee and complex PTSD is, the differences between the two and how they are managed.
Understanding Complex Trauma
Complex trauma is defined as the result of multiple, prolonged or repeated traumatic experiences. Such events can be interpersonal, like chronic maltreatment, which includes physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, and / or neglect, most of the time was a child. Trauma of any nature can alter the growth of a person and hence complicates the emotional and psychological wellbeing of the affected.
Different from a single incidence of trauma, which could be a car accident, an earthquake or any sudden event, complex trauma is often due to exposure to repeated traumatic events. This kind of trauma can impair one’s interpersonal relationship, emotional regulation and stress management. In most cases, to treat the problems arising from the trauma, constant therapy is needed and may even span several years.
Understanding Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD is a type of PTSD that results from prolonged exposure to trauma, often from situations where the victim feels trapped, such as ongoing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, human trafficking, or war. In comparison, PTSD is generally acquired after a single stressful or traumatic event, whilst PTSD is a result of chronic trauma and may be even more severe.
Generally, complex PTSD without trauma is characterised by emotion dysregulation, feelings of worthlessness, and relational difficulties. They may also manifest other symptoms similar to PTSD where one may have flashbacks, nightmares, among others, severe anxiety. However, with complicated PTSD, the emotional and the relational kinds of the difficulties are more severe because of the chronicity of the trauma.
Are Complex Trauma and Complex PTSD the Same?
Though the complex trauma in Ahmedabad and complex PTSD are related and mark prolonged trauma, they are different from each other. Complex trauma is understood to be the nature of the traumatising events as a significant aspect and specifically, those of repeated or chronic nature and its effects on the psychological and emotional state of the person. Complex PTSD, on the other hand, is a specific form that fully defines the kind of problems and symptoms a person undergoes subsequent to the trauma.
Whereas, psychological trauma is more common concerning which many discussions are held, trauma can be physical as well. For instance, complex trauma on the knee means traumatic damage that affects most of the structures in the knee joint. These could be in the form of ligament strain, cartilage tears, tendon or muscle tears or even fractures. These injuries are usually as a result of a mishap, sports, injury or falls and can be somewhat challenging to treat because of the uniqueness of the knee joint.
Complex PTSD Without Trauma: Is it Possible?
A rather pertinent issue to ask during the consideration of symptoms associated with PTSD is whether it is possible to have complex PTSD without trauma. The answer is, strictly speaking, negative; PTSD, including its complex variant, is a mental disorder that develops in response to specific stressors. For example, one might argue that emotional abuse or constant exposure to shame inducing scenarios is not equivalent to ‘trauma’ yet it results in complex PTSD.
In these cases, a person sometimes does not realise that they are suffering from a disorder which is, in fact, trauma-related, and comes to the doctor complaining of symptoms, such as depression or anxiety, but not knowing they stem from trauma. Consequently, it is important to see that being traumatised does not always mean that we had a traumatic incident, which involves becoming a victim of violence.
Treatment and Recovery
Complex trauma on the knee and complex PTSD need to be treated and the best approach would take quite some time. In the case of PTSD the therapy includes CBT, EMDR and other trauma oriented therapies of psychotherapy. These therapies assist the patients in understanding the occurrences, feelings, and the behaviours around the trauma and enable them to come up with better ways of dealing with unusual feelings.
When it comes to physical injuries such as multiple injuries in the knee among others, the treatment includes surgery and then physiotherapy. Best orthopaedic doctor in Ahmedabad, Hardik Padhiyar also advises that it has to be a complete process of healing. He strongly recommends individualised care approaches where every patient has to be given specific care that involves using some of the modern techniques of treatment accompanied by supportive care.
Seeking Help in Ahmedabad
If you are seeking treatment for complex trauma in Ahmedabad and are experiencing either complex trauma or complex PTSD it is advisable that you find professional help. Orthopedician Dr Hardik Padhiyar is known among the best orthopaedic surgeons in Ahmedabad who is famous for their successful treatments of complicated injury cases especially the knee injuries.
For psychological trauma one must see a clinical psychologist who has a background in trauma therapy. It is for this reason that the majority of orthopedic doctor near me are well positioned to assist patients suffering from PTSD and other trauma related disorders get the necessary assistance they need to free them from these conditions.
Conclusion
This distinction between complex trauma and complex PTSD without trauma is important in as much as they have to be clearly understood as to warrant right intervention and management. Although they are similar, one must differentiate as well; the former refers to the actual trauma, and the latter is the recognized psychological disorder. Each of them needs different tactics to address that aim successfully.
If you are looking for the best orthopedic doctor in Ahmedabad consider reaching out to Dr. Hardik Padhiyar for expert guidance and care in managing complex trauma cases.
