Gender Affirming Care

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The Importance of Pelvic Health Physical Therapy in Gender-Affirming Care

Pelvic health is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of well-being, particularly for individuals undergoing gender-affirming care. As people begin to align their physical bodies with their
gender identity, they may face unique challenges and health concerns that can be addressed through specialized care. Pelvic health physical therapy is one of the most valuable resources in helping to improve comfort, function, and quality of life in a safe environment.

What is pelvic health physical therapy?

Pelvic health physical therapy focuses on the rehabilitation of the pelvic floor muscles, which are responsible for supporting the bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. It addresses both musculoskeletal and functional issues, helping to treat conditions such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and post-surgical recovery. For individuals undergoing gender-affirming care, pelvic health PT can be particularly important as it helps manage the physical challenges that arise during the transition process—whether from hormone therapy, surgery, or the complexities of navigating one’s body post-procedure.

Why Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Matters in Gender-Affirming Care

1. Post-Surgical Recovery and Rehabilitation:
For individuals who undergo gender-affirming surgeries such as genital reconstruction, pelvic floor therapy plays a key role in post-surgical rehabilitation. These surgeries, while life-affirming and transformative, can involve significant changes to the pelvic region, leading to challenges in mobility, function, and comfort. Pelvic health physical therapy can assist in improving pelvic floor strength, flexibility, and overall function, which are essential for recovery. It can also help mitigate complications like scarring, incontinence, or pelvic pain that may arise following surgery.
 
2. Managing Pelvic Pain: 
Pelvic pain is a common issue among transgender and gender-diverse individuals, particularly those on hormone therapy or after surgeries such as bottom surgery or chest reconstruction. Gender affirming pelvic health physical therapy can be an effective treatment to reduce pain associated with the pelvic floor, including issues related to muscle tension, nerve compression, or scar tissue. By helping to retrain the pelvic floor muscles, physical therapy can reduce discomfort and improve overall function.
 
3. Incontinence and Urinary Function: 
Hormone therapy, binding, public restroom habits and surgeries can have varying effects on bladder and bowel function. For instance, some individuals undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may experience changes in urinary frequency, urgency, or leakage, and those who undergo surgery may face new challenges related to urinary control. Pelvic health physical therapy addresses these issues through exercises designed to strengthen the pelvic floor
muscles, improving continence and reducing the likelihood of accidents or leakage.
 
4. Sexual Health and Function: 
One of the goals of gender-affirming care is to achieve a sense of comfort and agency in one’s sexual identity. Pelvic health physical therapy plays a significant role in helping individuals reclaim sexual function and comfort after surgery or hormonal changes. Physical therapists trained in pelvic health can assist in regaining sensation, improving blood flow to the genital area, and addressing any dysfunction that may result from scarring, muscle tension, or nerve changes. This therapy helps people feel more confident and comfortable with their bodies during sexual activity.
 
5. Empowerment and Self-Care:
One of the most important aspects of pelvic health physical therapy is empowerment. For transgender and non binary individuals, navigating pelvic health challenges may feel daunting or isolating, especially if they do not have access to knowledgeable and affirming healthcare providers. All of our providers at Roots Physical Therapy are trained to work with this community and create a safe, supportive environment for patients to discuss their unique concerns and receive personalized care. This promotes not only physical well-being but also emotional and psychological healing, which is vital in the journey of gender affirmation.
 
6. Preventing Future Complications:
Pelvic health physical therapy is not just about addressing current issues; it is also about prevention. As individuals transition and undergo medical interventions, they may encounter new physical challenges that can affect their pelvic health over time. Regular pelvic health therapy can help to prevent the development of long-term complications, such as chronic pelvic pain, incontinence, or sexual dysfunction, by encouraging healthy habits, muscle strengthening, and tissue flexibility.

The Roots Difference

At Roots, we recognize it can be difficult and sometimes daunting to find a provider who is both knowledgeable and compassionate. Our pelvic health physical therapists have extensive experience working with the transgender and non community in a space that is safe and welcoming. Each session with your provider is 1 on 1 in a private treatment space where you can be both seen and heard. Our team is knowledgeable about the specific concerns and procedures that may impact pelvic health during transition and able to provide compassionate, affirming care that aims to assist in your journey. If you’re interested in learning more about how pelvic health physical therapy can improve your quality of life and transition journey, call or text us at 401-535-6500!

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