What is pelvic physical therapy for transgender people?

Introduction:

The current population of the United States of America is 340,423,742 as of Monday, September 25,2023,out of them 1.6% of U S are trans gender or non binary. Yet the number of people who identify as trans or non binary has continued to grow.

There are more than 3 lakh PT's in U S but only found 367 who treat trans gender pelvic health. Transgender people may face challenges related to the need to affirm gender identity and the social and physical changes this may require. They are more vulnerable to symptoms of depression and anxiety, which is at least in part attributable to the social stress they experience as members of a gender minority population. Transgender people are more likely to develop mental health conditions than other people, and are also more likely to contemplate and attempt suicide. However, it is important to note that not all transgender people take steps to transition socially or medically.

Physical therapy can be an effective way to help transgender individuals reshape their bodies, whether they are considering gender-affirming treatment or are already receiving it. Physical therapists can offer personalized exercise plans to help manage weight, increase muscle strength and mobility, and help with body shaping.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) has published a guide for managing patients who are transgender. The guide provides information on the unique needs of transgender patients and how physical therapists can work with this population.

Physical therapist can support people both before and after gender affirming surgeries as well.

 Trans and non-binary people deserve adequate healthcare that makes them feel understood and safe.

Gender affirming surgery includes chest reconstruction also known as ''top'' surgery, and genital reconstruction ,also known as ''bottom'' surgeries. Other surgeries includes vaginoplasties, orchietomies, vulvoplasties are transfeminine surgeries that are performed in order to remove testicles, construct a vulva and vagina respectively.

Physical Therapy is an absolute essential part of anyone's care plan if they are undergoing gender affirming surgeries. Without proper assessment and evaluation, they are less likely to be successful with  healing their new anatomy, preventing scar tissue and preventing issues like incontinence, pelvic pain, organ prolapses, muscle tightness etc.. 

How Physical Therapist help ?

Proper pelvic functioning is the main aim of therapist dealing with trans gender or non binary person. Pelvic floor muscles tightness or weakness is corrected by therapist. In some cases vaginal dilator is used to maintain the girth and depth of the vaginal canal, so in these cases a physical therapist help can guide you with the correct form. Post surgery management of the scar and upper body strength training is also performed by the therapist.

Related article- when you need physical therapy?

Educating bladder function and correct pelvic floor muscle contraction were also taught to perform a short muscle contraction before an increase in intra-abdominal pressure, such as associated with sneezing or coughing. Also deep breathing exercises were taught by therapist to improve lung volume and function.

Related article- pelvic floor therapy

Rehabilitation of Trans gender Person

Rehabilitation of transgender individuals is a complex and sensitive topic. Gender therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on the social, mental, emotional, and physical needs of those who are questioning their gender, are uncomfortable with aspects of their gender or body, are experiencing gender dysphoria, or are seeking gender-affirming interventions. Gender therapy can help individuals explore their gender identity, develop coping mechanisms, and make informed decisions about their transition .

In addition to gender therapy, there are other forms of rehabilitation that can help transgender individuals. Substance abuse is a serious problem among transgender people, and many facilities now offer treatment options specifically tailored to members of the LGBTQ community. It is important to note that traditional rehab facilities may not be equipped to provide transgender people with the right kind of support.

The American Academy of Family Physicians has published guidelines for the primary and gender-affirming care of transgender and gender non binary people. These guidelines provide comprehensive and evidence-based recommendations for health care providers, educators, and patients who want to learn more about the primary and gender-affirming care of transgender and gender non binary people.

It is important to approach the rehabilitation of transgender individuals with sensitivity and respect. Transgender people face significant challenges in society, and it is important to provide them with the support and resources they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Conclusion:

When treating a trans gender or non binary person, humanity should be kept all above the other aspect and should be treaty equally without any discrimination. If you like the above article useful and informative then let me know in the comment section.

What are the benefits of ice in physical therapy?

 Introduction:

Many Physical Therapist use Cryotherapy ( ice ) as a part of physical therapy treatment including conditions like acute pain, arthritis, knee pain, back pain, post surgery, frozen shoulder, cervical and many more. Using a ice pack or cold shower shows instant results for pain relief and aids in rehabilitation process.

One of my patient has severe panic disorder and she barely leaves the house without steroid drugs and alcohol, basically she became a shell of a person, but she wanted to get rid of her condition and wants to live a peaceful life. Her symptoms are 

→ severe Anxiety    

→ Depression

→ Panic attacks in situation like driving alone or being in crowded spaces

→ Acute sense of doom

She came to me with all these symptoms and what she is suffering through, So being a Physical Therapist I made a tailored Physical therapy program for her which includes 

→ Cryotherapy 

→ Breathing Exercises 

→ Strength training in precise form

Cold Therapy Benefits for Mental State:

When you are having some mental injury, it is not at all easy to explain thoroughly to Therapist but slowly and steadily you can have faith and trust your Physical Therapist. Uncomfortable emotions and old triggers in sub-concious mind doesn't allow to open and speak up freely are the first symptom of mentally disturbed person. Cold exposure therapy is one of the most effective tool for releasing uncomfortable emotions and also removes old triggers from your brain.

The temperature of cryotherapy chamber can range from -166*F to -256*F ( -110*C to -160*C)  to maintain this level of extreme cold liquid nitrogen or argon gas is used. Ice helps to focus on the physical sensation of the cold rather than the negative sensation because of anxiety and negative emotion. Ice bath, Cryotherapy or cold exposure is extremely beneficial to regulate emotions on a deeper level, also helps to face the fear, test the mental strength and improve physical health. some of the benefits of exposure to cold are as follows:

1.Inflammation and Depression

Normally, we think of inflammation as being caused by something physical like exercise or something foreign like virus, but inflammation can also be our body's response to stress. Have you ever experienced neck or shoulder pain because of stress? Migraines? or Tension headaches? These all are perfect example of our body trying to tell us something; however, we usually just don't listen or we use surface level fixes like over the counter-pain relievers or anti-inflammatories. The Wim Hof Method, in which Breathing Exercises and Cold Exposure are paired, has been scientifically proven to suppress inflammation, improve sleep, and decrease stress.

  Researches has shown a direct relation between depression and higher level of inflammation in the body. The disregulation that inflammation can cause, like suppressing your immune system, can directly affect the way you respond to treatment like antidepressants. 

 Related article- can physical therapy help with chronic pain

2.Hormonal effect of Cold therapy

Due to hormonal changes our body respond accordingly to the stimulus, stimulation like cold showers, cryotherapy, and cold baths releases hormone like dopamine which is a happy hormone in our body and deliberately converts our negative thoughts into positive one. Cold exposure causes prolonged release of dopamine

 another hormone which is adrenaline, is also released when exposed to cold can help us to gain increased level of energy and concentration. When our body is exposed to cold it produces heat through the response of shivering which in turns helps the body to improve its metabolism in a natural way. Exposing the body to cold on a safe and regular basis can increase the metabolic rate by about 16% 

Breathing Exercises Benefits:

Learning proper breath work technique can play a huge role in helping us learn to control and regulate our minds. Controlled breathing exercise helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system which in turn relieve stress and makes us feel comfortable and increases happiness level, calms down the anxiety, fall out depression, improves sleep and boosting our mood naturally.

By consistently practizing cold exposure and breathing technique also reduces blood pressure and lowers the heart rate which aid to strengthen the immune system along with absorption of oxygen and nutrients into our cells to work more effectively.

When to use Ice and Heat Therapy ?

Ice is a common therapy used in physical therapy to reduce inflammation and numb pain. It is most commonly used for acute injuries to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation. Ice is believed to control pain by instigating local anesthesia. If you have had a physical injury in the past 48 hours, an ice pack can help minimize swelling, reduce bleeding within tissues, as well as help relieve muscle spasms and pain. Ice treatments can also be used to treat chronic conditions, including overuse injuries in athletes (such as tendinitis, tendinosis, or bursitis).

Heat, on the other hand, helps relax muscles and stiff joints. While heat helps improve circulation and blood flow, ice reduces blood flow thereby reducing inflammation and swelling . Chronic (long-term) pain benefits from heat to relax tissues and stimulate blood flow. However, there are certain cases where chronic pain can also benefit from ice, such as after physical activity.

It is important to note that the use of ice or heat therapy should be done under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist or medical professional.

Benefits of Ice in Physical Therapy

some benefits of using ice in physical therapy:

1. Reduces swelling and inflammation: Ice helps to constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the affected area, which can help to reduce swelling and inflammation.

2. Relieves pain: Ice can help to numb the affected area and reduce pain by slowing down nerve impulses.

3. Promotes healing: Ice can help to promote healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which can help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues.

4. Reduces muscle spasms: Ice can help to reduce muscle spasms by slowing down nerve impulses and reducing inflammation.

5. Improves range of motion: Ice can help to improve range of motion by reducing pain and inflammation, which can help to increase mobility. 

Related article- best muscle rub to relieve pain

Conclusion:

  I hope this article provides you information and helps you to overcome your mental and physical health and improve your quality life by 1% further detail about Wim Hof Method can easily be searched on internet and in a detail form. Always remember that You can be the best version of yourself    

How many years does it take to become physical therapist?

Introduction: 

If you are interested in healthcare sector and passionate about helping others and also want to do something big and interesting for your life, one of the best option is Physical Therapy. As a Physical Therapist you can help your patient's mobility and body function, prevent and recover from injuries, also pain reduction.

Physical Therapist are in high demand and often earn more than professionals in comparable roles, such as Occupational therapist, Speech therapist, audiologist and ENT specialist.

Read on this article to learn how to become a Physical therapist, including education, training, getting the license and total time period.

Who is Physical Therapist ?

Physical Therapist are highly trained professionals who work for people of all ages to outcome the physical challenge, body movement, correct posture, guided exercise and hands-on therapy, body function and mechanics to move better. Therapist make a tailored treatment plan according to the type of patient, there is a option for therapist to work in hospital or can do its private practice at clinic.

 Therapist must complete a Doctorate in Physical Therapy(DPT) and pass a national licensing exam to practice in United States.

 Process of Physical Therapy Step by Step:

Becoming a Physical Therapist can take up to six to seven years. first you have to complete a bachelor's degree which typically takes four years, before earning a DPT, which usually takes another three years. You can do your bachelor degree in health science, biomechanics, exercise or biology.

For DPT program it is compulsory for you to take all required courses before applying for doctorate. Many DPT programs require applicants to have taken courses in human anatomy, physics, biology, chemistry and kinesiology.

  All Physical therapist must complete a doctor of physical therapy from a program accredited by the commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. DPT students complete courses including Biomechanics, Neuroscience and pharmacology. They also spend time working in a clinic under the guidance of clinical instructor.

After earning a DPT, therapist must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination(NPTE) from the federation of state boards of physical therapy. The exam is offered four times per year, and candidates can retake the exam up to three times in a 12 month period.

Most DPT programs require applicants to complete the Graduate Record Examination. Programs may have minimum acceptable scores and last acceptable test dates. Some university require GRE score whereas some don't ,a GRE(graduate record exam) score above 310 (verbal reasoning scores of 155 – 170, quantitative reasoning scores of 155 – 170, and analytical writing scores of 4.0) is considered good for Physical Therapy School. Policies regarding the consideration of multiple sets of GRE scores vary by institution.

For a license to practice therapist licensure requirements vary state to state. Depending on where you plan to practice, you may have to complete background compliance training to earn your credential, and you might need ongoing education courses to maintain your license.

There is specialization in Physical therapy also, some of them are as follows:

→ Neurology

→ Cardiovascular and Pulmonary

→ Geriatrics 

→ Orthopedics 

→ Clinical Electrophysiology

→ Pediatrics 

→ Sports  

→ Women's health

→ Oncology

 

Conclusion:

There is a vast scope of earning in Physical Therapy, according to a report of year 2022 the annual salary is $97,710.so once you get into this field your quality of work will pay you throughout lifetime.

Just show your commitment to this field with pure heart and soul and you will be surprised with the amazing and remarkable result. I hope this article helps you to to get education and knowledge all about Physical Therapy.

Can physical therapy fix knock knees?

Introduction:

Standing in an upright position and can't unable to close feet together

 is the classical symptom of knock knees, this deformity leads to

 touch or ''knock'' the knees against each other. The overall posture

 gets affected due to knock knees and if proper treatment doesn't get

 on time can leads to complication of lower limbs. It is more common

 in children than in adults

What causes knock knee?

There are various causes of knock knee(Genu Valgum) which needs

 to be understand according to the type of patient 

( age, height, health, body weight, BMI) etc. and many more, some of

 the causes are as follows: 

→ Misalignment of posture leads to deformity of knock knees

→ Overweight or obesity is more prone to Genu Valgum

→ Vitamin D deficiency

 → Adductor muscle(inner thigh) tightness prone to genu valgum deformity

 → Rickets (weaker bones put uneven pressure on joints resulting knock knee)

 → Pronation or everted foot(mal-alignment of ankle joint) provokes knock Knees.

Diagnosis of knock Knees

A physical therapist examine the knee and does the assessment with

 the help of goniometer, measuring the Q-angle defines the degree of

 deformity of genu valgum. If the Q-angle is 10 degree or more it

 confirms the diagnosis of knock Knees (genu valgum). Other

 diagnosis include X-ray and MRI also.

Treatment of knock Knees (Genu valgum)

Physical Therapy plays a major important role in the treatment of

 knock knees, therapy session include Electro-therapy and Exercise-

therapy, overall treatment emphasis on:

 → Knee pain reduction

 → Stretching of the tight muscles

 → Strengthening of the tight muscles

 → Kinesiology Taping of ankle joint to prevent eversion and maintain neutral joint position.

 → Postural correction 

 → Education and awareness about wrong position, for example,,

W sitting position provokes knock knee deformity.so its better to

 avoid this position.

Physical Therapy Exercises for Knock Knees is explained in this video 

After Physical Therapy rehabilitation for almost 8 weeks ( 2 months ) you can see the difference and smile of  patient and can easily recognize the power of Physical Therapy. This patient has recovered and now can she can do running, jumping, hopping, without any sort of discomfort.

 

You can easily compare the difference between before and after physical therapy treatment session

Surgery for Knock Knees

Surgery is not always necessary to treat genu valgum. However, in severe cases of knock knees that have failed non-surgical treatment, surgery may be of benefit. The surgical technique used may vary depending on age. For younger people, a small metal plate inserted in their knee can help direct future bone growth. This minor procedure is called guided growth surgery . In adults, it can lead to knee pain and premature degeneration of the knee joint. If you are experiencing any symptoms of knock knee, it is best to consult a physical therapist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Conclusion: 

Myself Dr Shailendra Chourey in practice of physical therapy since

 2010 comes to a conclusion that Correction

 of knock knees includes many treatment but physical therapy should

 be the first line of treatment, it works in most of the cases without

 any side effects. Surgery should be the last option if any treatment

 doesn't works, so meet your physical therapist and do consult

 regarding genu valgum (knock knee).