We address rehabilitation issues unique to the Trans and Gender-Diverse population such as pre-op and post-op care, scar tissue adhesions, and dilator therapy.
At The Pelvic Health Clinic, one-on-one compassionate and inclusive care is the standard. We are a body-positive clinic and believe that every body is deserving of care and clinical expertise. Movement and rehabilitation are for everyone!
Pelvic health physiotherapy can address many common concerns in transgender and gender diverse folks
At The Pelvic Health Clinic, we are committed to providing comprehensive and inclusive healthcare services to all individuals, including transgender and gender diverse folks, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Through evidence-based research, and our collective experience as therapists, we understand that pelvic health is essential for all bodies and gender identities. Whether you are seeking support in pre-transition, during transition, or post-transition, our team of compassionate pelvic health physiotherapists are here to provide personalized care that respects your identity and goals.
Pelvic health physiotherapy, also known as pelvic floor physiotherapy, is a specialized area of physiotherapy that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of conditions related to the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding structures.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that form a supportive hammock-like structure at the base of the pelvis. These muscles play a crucial role in supporting the pelvic organs, including the bladder and rectum, and are responsible for controlling bowel and bladder function, sexual function, and stability of the lower back. These muscles work in conjunction with the muscles of the deep core, hip girdle and low back to provide support and dynamic function for our bodies.
Physiotherapy for pelvic health concerns is an extremely helpful resource for transgender and gender-diverse folks, and our therapists are all trained in providing gender-affirming care.
Everyone has a pelvis, and all pelvises are worthy of rehabilitation!
Common presentations of physical dysfunction in trans and gender-diverse folks are:
- Breath mechanics: such as difficulty maintaining normal chest expansion and deep breaths with use of binders or post-op top surgery.
- Biomechanical Limitations: such as restricted shoulder and thoracic mobility.
- Sexual dysfunction: such as pelvic pain, scar adhesions, tight and tender scar tissue, and pain w/ intercourse.
- Dilator Training: many trans women find dilator training therapy post-vaginoplasty very helpful.
- Urinary dysfunction: such as urinary leakage, urinary frequency, urinary urgency and nocturia.
- Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndromes: such as Chronic Prostatitis, Pudendal Neuralgia, Proctalgia Fugax, pain in the testicles, penis, vulva, vagina, rectum or perineum as well as groin, hip and coccyx pain.
Pelvic health physiotherapy is provided by trained physiotherapists who have expertise and training in treating pelvic floor dysfunctions and related pelvic health concerns in trans and gender-diverse folks. Our clinic offers a comfortable, inclusive, supportive and private environment for folks seeking solutions to their pelvic dysfunction through evidence-based rehabilitation methods that include:
- Manual therapeutic techniques for core and pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation
- Patient education and teaching that is kind, informed and helpful
- Biofeedback training of pelvic floor muscles
- Individualized home exercise programmes
Pelvic health physiotherapy can help with so many conditions!
Pre-Surgical Rehabilitation
Just like any other surgeries, folks awaiting GAS can really benefit from prehabilitation. In these appointments you will learn what to expect from your surgery, how to best prepare your tissue, and which exercises and stretches are useful in the lead up to your OR date. Your physiotherapist will also teach you breathing techniques, scar tissue mobilization, and gentle core exercises for you to do during your immediate post-op period.
Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Folks who have undergone gender affirming surgeries can benefit from pelvic health physiotherapy for a smoother recovery, limit scar tissue formation, and to regain optimal function. Your therapist will create an individualized home exercise programme for you to follow as you recover. We can help you with your dilator training, too!
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain can result from various factors, such as muscle tension, inflammation, or nerve issues. Our physiotherapists are skilled at identifying the root causes of pelvic pain and work with you to develop personalized treatment plans for pain relief.
Dedication to Sensitive Practice
The Pelvic Health Clinic strives to foster an environment where clients feel safe and supported. In order to help you feel safe and avoid possible triggers, we ask that you discuss with your physical therapist how they might make you feel more comfortable and better supported during assessment and treatment.