The Importance of Pelvic Health Following Gender Confirmation Surgery.
Gender affirmation surgery is a big step in one’s life.
Medical providers spend a lot of time discussing surgery. Preparation for surgery. And surgical complications that may arise during the surgery.
Rarely do medical doctors discuss obstacles that can arise after the surgery that may limit the healing process.
Many of these obstacles are linked to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction as the muscles and tissues heal from surgery. Transgender patients who have undergone gender confirmation surgery, require the services of a therapist specializing in pelvic health and orthopedic physical therapy.
Analogous to physical rehabilitation therapy following orthopedic surgery, it is equally important to undergo pelvic physical therapy after gender confirmation surgery.
ISSUES THAT MAY ARISE AFTER GENDER AFFIRMATION SURGERY:
Pelvic pain
Urinary incontinence
Difficulty using/progressing dilators
Voiding dysfunction
Dyspareunia (pain with intercourse)
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Decreased sexual response
Pelvic physical therapy helps restore muscle and tissue integrity to enhance the recovery process.
PELVIC HEALTH & ORTHOPEDIC PT AFTER THE SURGERY INCLUDES:
Dilation
Internal and external anorectal release
Internal and external vaginal release
Connective tissue manipulation
Lymph drainage
Scar tissue mobilization
Myofascial release and balance
Visceral manipulation
Trigger point release
Muscle timing
Strain counter strain/positional release
Lumbar/pelvic/hip stabilization and control
Pelvic floor strengthening/lengthening/coordination
I cannot stress enough how important it is to undergo pelvic health and orthopedic physical therapy.
Highly recommended in California:
Locate a pelvic health therapist near you visit: Women’s Health PT Locator