Inclusive Pelvic Health Care at Maud Medical Clinic: Supporting Gender-Diverse Individuals

Inclusive Pelvic Health Care at Maud Medical Clinic: Supporting Gender-Diverse Individuals

Maud Medical Clinic in Calgary is proud to announce two of our physios at Maud Medical clinic have taken interest and started training to provide specialized and inclusive pelvic health care for gender-diverse individuals. We recognize that gender identity is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being, and our commitment to inclusivity extends to providing comprehensive support to our patients on their unique journeys. We understand that individuals who identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming may have unique health concerns. Betty Huang and Katty Oishi, two of our experienced team of physiotherapists have taken interest and training to provide specialized care to those who have transition or are undergoing transition or any individuals seeking personalized care that respects their gender identity.

Betty Huang - Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

Betty is a dedicated pelvic floor physiotherapist committed to providing compassionate care to individuals of all genders. With a deep passion for helping those experiencing pelvic pain, incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and more, Betty strives to empower patients on their journey to wellness.

Driven by a love for education and a desire to make a meaningful difference, Betty takes a patient-centred approach to treatment, recognizing the unique needs and experiences of each individual. By adopting a biopsychosocial perspective, Betty addresses not only the physical aspects of pelvic health but also considers the psychological and social factors that contribute to overall well-being.

Whether it's through hands-on therapy, tailored exercise programs, or insightful education sessions, Betty is dedicated to helping patients regain control of their lives and return to living to the fullest. With a warm and empathetic approach, Betty creates a supportive environment where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered to take charge of their pelvic health journey.

Katty Oishi - Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

With over 20 years of experience in diverse healthcare settings, Katty specializes in treating patients with neurological conditions. Her deep commitment to patient care led her to develop a profound interest in pelvic health, recognizing its essential role in overall well-being.

Her passion for pelvic health began while working with patients experiencing pelvic floor dysfunction due to neurological conditions. She witnessed firsthand the profound impact that bowel, bladder, and sexual health issues can have on a person's quality of life. Inspired by the resilience of her patients, she has dedicated herself to helping individuals regain confidence and control over their pelvic health, fostering hope and empowerment through treatment.

Katty firmly believes that high-quality pelvic health care starts with creating a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where patients can openly share their experiences. She takes a holistic approach, addressing not only the pelvic floor but also its connection to the entire body and lifestyle.

She is also deeply committed to supporting gender-diverse individuals through their pelvic health journeys, including those undergoing transition. Her goal is to help patients reclaim their sense of freedom and well-being, ensuring that pelvic health concerns become just one chapter in their story—not the defining one.

Katty believes that through education, guidance, and compassionate care, pelvic floor physiotherapists can empower patients to take charge of their health and confidently embrace the next chapter of their lives.

How our physiotherapists can help:

Pre- and Post-Surgical Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation: At Maud Medical Clinic, our specialized physiotherapists provide comprehensive pre- and post-surgical pelvic floor rehabilitation programs tailored to your individual needs and surgical procedure. These programs aim to optimize your pelvic floor function before surgery and promote a smooth and efficient recovery afterward, minimizing complications and maximizing results. We assess your current condition and create personalized plans to address your specific challenges.

Scar Tissue Management and Healing: Maud Medical Clinic utilizes advanced techniques to manage scar tissue formation and promote healthy healing after pelvic surgery. Our physiotherapists employ manual therapy and movement strategies to gently mobilize tissues, prevent adhesions, and reduce pain associated with scar tissue. This approach aims to restore optimal tissue mobility and function.

Pain Management and Relief: We understand that post-surgical pain can be significant. At Maud Medical Clinic, our physiotherapists provide comprehensive pain management strategies, including manual therapy, education on pain management techniques, and guidance on pain-relieving exercises to help you manage discomfort and promote healing. Our goal is to help you regain comfort and function quickly.

Bladder and Bowel Function Support: Pelvic surgeries can sometimes affect bladder and bowel function. Maud Medical Clinic offers specialized support to address incontinence, constipation, or other related issues. Our physiotherapists utilize techniques like pelvic floor muscle retraining and EMSELLA to help restore normal function and improve quality of life.

Guidance on Pelvic Muscle Strengthening or Relaxation: Depending on your specific needs and the type of surgery, Maud Medical Clinic provides guidance on strengthening or relaxing your pelvic floor muscles. We develop personalized exercise programs to address muscle imbalances, improve function, and prevent future problems, promoting optimal pelvic health.

Education on Body Changes and Movement Strategies: Following pelvic surgery, understanding the changes to your body is crucial. Maud Medical Clinic educates patients on adapting to these changes and employs safe movement strategies. We provide guidance on modifying daily activities and adjusting postures to support your healing and minimize strain on your pelvic floor, promoting long-term health.

Understanding the Unique Needs of Gender-Diverse Patients

Pelvic health is intricately linked to one's overall physical and emotional well-being, impacting body image, self-esteem, and intimate relationships. Gender-diverse individuals often face specific pelvic health challenges related to their gender identity or gender-affirming care.

These challenges can include:

Hormonal changes: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often a cornerstone of gender-affirming care, but these hormonal shifts can impact pelvic floor function, contributing to issues such as incontinence, pain, or discomfort during sexual activity.

Surgical interventions: Gender-affirming surgeries, such as hysterectomies or orchiectomies, can significantly affect pelvic anatomy and function, leading to a range of potential complications.

Body image concerns: For gender-diverse individuals, body image is often strongly intertwined with their gender identity. Pelvic floor issues can exacerbate these sensitivities, negatively affecting self-esteem and quality of life.

Lack of inclusive care: Historically, many healthcare systems have lacked understanding and sensitivity toward gender-diverse individuals' specific healthcare needs. This can lead to feelings of discomfort, judgment, or inadequacy when seeking pelvic health care.

At Maud Medical Clinic, our commitment to inclusive care means recognizing and addressing these unique complexities. We value affirmation and create an environment where all patients feel safe, respected, and empowered.

Specialized Pelvic Physiotherapy for Gender-Diverse Individuals

Two of our highly skilled physiotherapists have undergone specialized training in providing pelvic floor physiotherapy for gender-diverse individuals. This advanced training equips them with the expertise and sensitivity required to effectively address the specific challenges faced by this population. Our commitment to ongoing professional development ensures that we remain at the forefront of inclusive pelvic healthcare. We are dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment that respects the identities and diverse experiences of each patient.

Our specialized approach encompasses:

Thorough Assessment: At Maud Medical we conduct in-depth assessments tailored to the patient's individual needs, considering their gender identity, hormonal status, surgical history, and specific concerns.

Personalized Treatment Plans: Based on each patient's unique situation, we develop personalized treatment plans that address their individual challenges effectively. Treatment can range from targeted exercises, manual therapy, biofeedback, to other modalities. 

Patient-Centered Approach: At Maud Medical we prioritize a patient-centered approach, fostering a safe and judgment-free space where patients feel comfortable expressing their concerns to doctors and participating actively in their treatment. 

Education and Empowerment: At Maud Medical Clinic our goal is not only to address immediate pelvic health concerns but also to empower our patients with the knowledge and skills they need to manage their pelvic health long-term.

Maud Medical's Commitment to Inclusivity

At Maud Medical Clinic, we believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate, respectful, and effective healthcare. We are dedicated to providing a safe space for individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, and identities, and we are committed to ongoing learning and adaptation to best serve our community. We recognize that gender identity and sexuality are complex and diverse, and we remain committed to fostering respectful and knowledgeable interactions with each of our patients. Pelvic health should be an empowering part of life, not a defining struggle.

Contact Maud Medical in Calgary today to learn more about our inclusive pelvic health services.

Our expert Calgary doctors and physiotherapists are here to support you on your journey.

We provide a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for all individuals seeking personalized care that respects their gender identity. We strive to treat the whole person and recognize that pelvic health is one important facet of someone's overall well-being.


Reference: https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?id=1080705&serviceAtFacilityID=1126454