Physiotherapy in gender affirmation supports transgender individuals, helping them achieve their goals with the highest level of care and the best possible results.
The World Health Organization first defined health in 1948 as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
For some people, this state is compromised by gender dysphoria—a profound and persistent distress stemming from the mismatch between their biological sex and the gender identity they recognize as their own. In these cases, the process of affirming one’s identity becomes essential to achieving happiness and overall wellbeing. This often includes a challenging journey involving gender-affirming surgeries.
Physiotherapy in Gender Affirmation
Physiotherapy plays a key role in gender affirmation, supporting transgender individuals through a personalized and multidisciplinary approach tailored to each step of their journey. Our professionals are trained and specialized in managing the unique needs that arise throughout the gender affirmation process, always offering care with expertise and compassion.
The Importance of Physiotherapy in the Gender Affirmation Journey
Gender affirmation often involves both functional and aesthetic surgeries—such as mastectomy, vaginoplasty, phalloplasty, and metoidioplasty—to bring harmony between one’s body and gender identity.
Physiotherapy contributes at many stages of this journey by preparing the body for surgery, reducing recovery times, helping reach goals more effectively, and preventing or managing post-operative pain.
Why Choose a Specialized Physiotherapy Center
Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation
For procedures like vaginoplasty, phalloplasty, or metoidioplasty, pelvic floor therapy helps maintain muscle function, improves urinary control, and reduces post-surgical pain. Treatment involves a customized mix of targeted exercises and manual techniques.
Scar Treatment
Surgical scars can cause discomfort, tension, adhesions, and restricted movement. Manual techniques, myofascial massage, laser therapy, and other physiotherapy treatments improve skin elasticity and minimize adhesions, promoting a faster, smoother recovery.
Postural and Respiratory Physiotherapy
Chest surgeries such as mastectomy can lead to postural imbalances and respiratory difficulties. Postural physiotherapy helps relieve musculoskeletal pain and restores correct breathing patterns.
Management of Chronic and Acute Pain
Effective pain management is vital after surgery. A combination of manual therapies, electrotherapy, relaxation techniques, and therapeutic exercise programs helps reduce both acute and chronic pain, enhancing overall wellbeing.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Surgical procedures can cause swelling and lymphatic issues. Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique that reduces edema, improves lymph circulation, and prevents complications like lymphedema.
Psychophysical Support and Mindfulness
Physiotherapy extends beyond the physical. Emotional wellbeing is also a priority. The Kinetic Center offers sessions integrating relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, stretching, and mindfulness to help manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges throughout gender affirmation.
Personalized Education and Counseling
We believe in empowering patients with the knowledge they need to care for themselves before, during, and after gender affirmation. We offer tailored guidance on exercises, posture, pain management, and self-care routines to promote long-term autonomy and wellbeing.
At the Kinetic Center, our work centers around patients and their needs.
Our studio is designed to be a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space, both in physical environment and in the human, professional approach of our therapists. We understand how important it is to feel seen, respected, and supported, and we are committed to providing attentive, empathetic, and expert care.
Our staff regularly attends the best training programs to stay up to date on the most effective practices in transgender patient care. We work closely with other healthcare professionals—doctors, nurses, psychologists, and psychotherapists—to ensure an integrated and holistic approach.
We are the first specialized center in Ticino for physiotherapy dedicated to transgender individuals. Based in the heart of Lugano, we are a reference point for the entire canton. Our therapists have received high-level training in French-speaking Switzerland, and collaborate with professionals from Italy, Spain, and across Europe to deliver the best practices and highly qualified support.
If you are beginning or continuing your gender affirmation journey and want dedicated, professional support for your physical wellbeing, we’re here to help.
Call us now for a free appointment to assess your needs and learn more about our personalized services.
