Physical therapy is often required and traditionally recommended after many surgical procedures to facilitate healing, decrease pain and regain function and ROM. Gender-affirming surgeries (GAS) should be no different. In addition, physical therapy is often required prior to (GAS) to allow for insurance reimbursement. At Aquacare/Fitness Forum, our pelvic floor team is here to guide you through the pre-and post-operative journey! 

Trans Males

Physical therapy can assist in the rehabilitation of surgical procedures such as: 

  • Chest reconstruction or chest masculinization surgery.
  • Hysterectomy with or without oophorectomy.
  • Metoidioplasty.
  • Phalloplasty.

Trans Females

Physical therapy can assist in the rehabilitation of surgical procedures such as 

  • Breast augmentation or feminizing augmentation mammoplasty.
  • Vaginoplasty.
Pre-Surgical: Our focus will be the following:
  • Provide pre-surgical assessment of genital surgery (requested by most surgeons) to evaluate tight musculature.
  • Begin pelvic floor relaxation and facilitation exercises/techniques to optimize your surgery results. 
  • Educate you on the function of the bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor to prepare you for what to expect after surgery.
  • Evaluate the function of your bladder, bowel, and pelvic floor before surgery to optimally prepare you for after-surgery. 
Post-Surgery: After surgery our focus will be:
  • Establishing a dilator routine post-vaginoplasty.
  • Manual techniques and patient education on scar/muscle and connective tissue restrictions that can impact normal function.
  • Decrease pain and support tissue healing. 
  • Assist in preventing post-operative complications.
  • Help you to return smoothly to all functional activities including exercise, intimacy, and returning to a normal lifestyle.