Transgender, Intersex, Non-binary and Gender Expansive Physical Therapy: Part 3
Common misconceptions or fears
Many people who might benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy have a lot of anxiety about seeking care. This can stem from lack of information about pelvic floor physical therapy, previous negative experiences with health care providers, misinformation and fears about your own body and how others might respond to it. While I cannot guarantee a good experience with pelvic floor physical therapy, doing a little homework to find a pelvic floor physical therapist who fits your needs and is gender affirming will ensure you have the best possible experience.
If you are interested pelvic floor physical therapy but are unsure, most pelvic floor physical therapists will speak with you over the phone to answer any questions and describe what an appointment is like. They also can modify the appointment to fit your needs and comfort level. The physical therapist should provide examination and treatment options and let you guide the appointment.
Pelvic floor physical therapists have likely seen a wide range of human anatomy and this usually results in us being very accepting of every version of the parts that make a person. And if you don’t feel comfortable, you can decline an examination, even if you consented earlier in the appointment. You may want to wait until you feel ready, opt for a modified exam or decide you never want a physical exam. Any of these options are okay because your physical therapist can still work with you. If you meet your physical therapist and then decide they aren’t a good fit for you, that is also okay. You need to feel safe in the appointment and if it isn’t the right therapist or the right time for you, physical therapists don’t take it personally. Many will help you find another pelvic floor physical therapist if they aren’t the right person for you.
What you should expect from a gender affirming physical therapist
A physical therapist who treats Transgender, Intersex, Non-binary and Gender Expansive individuals should ask what name you like to be referred to and pronouns. They should offer a private room if a body part needs to be exposed or they need to ask personal health questions, and only ask health questions directly related to the reason you are seeking physical therapy. They should have general knowledge about surgeries, hormones and other gender affirming procedures. The physical therapist should ask for consent prior to physical touch and continue to ask for consent throughout the visit. Finally, the physical therapist should be flexible during the appoint to allow for modification of examination and use words for body parts that make you feel comfortable.
