How pelvic therapy supports trans individuals pre/post surgery

Because Healing Isn’t Just Physical — It’s About Reclaiming Your Body on Your Terms

Whether you’re preparing for gender-affirming surgery, recovering from one, or not planning surgery at all — your pelvic floor still plays a major role in how you feel, function, and move.

And yet, pelvic therapy is rarely talked about in trans care. That ends here.

At YFS (Your Form Sux), we work with all kinds of bodies, all kinds of identities, and all kinds of journeys. This post breaks down exactly how pelvic floor physio can support trans individuals — before, during, or long after medical transition.

Let’s Start With the Basics: What Is Pelvic Therapy?

Pelvic floor physiotherapy focuses on the muscles, nerves, and connective tissue in the pelvis that support:

• Bladder + bowel function
• Sexual function + pleasure
• Core control + posture
• Pain-free movement
• Internal recovery after surgery or trauma

It can involve:

• External or internal muscle work (only with full consent)
• Breathing + nervous system regulation
• Strengthening or relaxing tight tissues
• Scar tissue management
• Education + body reconnection

And here’s the truth: Every person with a pelvis can benefit from it — including trans men, trans women, non-binary folks, and anyone navigating gender-affirming care.

Before Surgery: Prehab Matters

Whether you’re planning:

• Vaginoplasty
• Phalloplasty/metoidioplasty
• Top surgery (yes, even here pelvic posture can shift!)
• Or no surgery at all —

Pelvic therapy helps prepare your body for better outcomes.

• ✅ Strengthens your pelvic floor + deep core ahead of surgery
• ✅ Improves posture and breathing mechanics (which affect recovery + pain)
• ✅ Addresses baseline tension, trauma, or disconnection in the pelvis
• ✅ Helps manage stress in the nervous system before a major medical event

We also talk you through:

• What to expect from healing
• How to reduce post-op pain or tightness
• How to advocate for your needs with other providers

After Surgery: Support That Goes Beyond the Scar

Post-op pelvic therapy focuses on:

• Scar tissue release and mobility (for incisions, grafts, and internal healing)
• Bladder + bowel retraining, especially after catheter use or anesthesia
• Muscle coordination to support walking, sitting, and sexual activity
• Gentle reintroduction of internal touch, if and when that feels right
• Body connection + confidence rebuilding — which is just as important as the physical rehab

For people post-vaginoplasty, we may also help with:

• Dilation routines, without fear or pressure
• Perineal or internal release techniques
• Pelvic floor relaxation (especially if there’s post-op tightness or pain)

For people post-phalloplasty:

• Support with abdominal/core rehab
• Scar and nerve glide work for the donor site (often thigh or forearm)
• Managing pelvic tension or bladder function post-catheter

All of this is done with full consent, trauma-informed care, and no assumptions. Ever.

For Trans Individuals Not Pursuing Surgery — Pelvic Physio Still Matters

Pelvic therapy can also help you:

• Reduce gender dysphoria related to body tension or pelvic symptoms
• Explore body awareness + connection in a safe, affirming space
• Manage pain, stress, or trauma stored in the pelvic region
• Improve sexual function, pleasure, or comfort
• Address incontinence, constipation, or other core/pelvic health issues

We meet you where you are — not where a textbook says you “should” be.

Why This Care Must Be Gender-Affirming — Not Just Generic

The pelvic floor is personal.
And for trans and non-binary folks, it’s layered — physically, emotionally, socially.

That’s why, at YFS:

• We use inclusive language (and ask your pronouns, always)
• We get consent before every step
• We create zero-pressure environments for internal work
• We collaborate with your surgical team, mental health providers, and community support

We’re not just here to check boxes — we’re here to help you feel safe, seen, and supported in your body.

Final Word: Pelvic Therapy Can Be Part of Your Transition — On Your Terms

Whether you’re prepping for surgery, healing post-op, or reconnecting to your body in a way that finally feels right — pelvic therapy can help you move through it with less pain, more power, and real support.

At YFS, we don’t just treat injuries.
We help people come home to themselves — stronger, safer, and more confident in their body than ever before.

Curious if pelvic therapy is right for your journey?
Book a private, inclusive consult at YFS. No judgment. No pressure. Just real support that fits you.