Recognising the relationship between the practice of physiotherapy and the body, the purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of TGDNB individuals attending a gender-affirming physiotherapy service and identify aspects of the service they most valued to better understand how physiotherapists can provide safe, inclusive, and effective care and promote health and wellbeing for TGNB people.
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with current clients of the gender-affirming service at a physiotherapy clinic in Wellington, ANZ. Data collection occurred via online videoconferencing between June 2023 and February 2024. Qualitative data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis underpinned by relativism and queer theory to generate key themes and subthemes related to participants' experiences and perspectives of the service.
Twenty participants aged between 18 and 38 years with diverse gender identities participated in the study. Four key themes were generated through thematic analysis: (1) ‘Binding and my health,’ highlighting the importance of physiotherapy in managing binding-related health issues; (2) ‘My choice in holistic and person-centred care,’ which relates to the value of autonomy and holistic treatment approaches; (3) ‘Experiencing safe and inclusive care with knowledgeable physiotherapists,’ emphasising the need for TGDNB-specific knowledge among physiotherapists; and (4) ‘Inclusive environments help me feel safe,’ illustrating the benefits of inclusive clinical and digital spaces in facilitating safe access to care.
Participants valued inclusive, person-centred and holistic approaches to physiotherapy delivered by knowledgeable providers who addressed their unique needs, particularly regarding binding-related health. They emphasised the importance of autonomy in their treatment choices and the significance of inclusive clinical and digital environments in fostering a sense of safety, ultimately enhancing their access to care.
This study highlights the potential and value of gender-affirming physiotherapy services for promoting access to safe, inclusive and holistic care for TGDNB individuals. By prioritising person-centred approaches, autonomy and TGDNB-specific training, physiotherapists can actively contribute to fostering positive health behaviours for TGDNB people. The findings have broader implications for improving accessibility and quality of physiotherapy services for TGDNB individuals, potentially improving health outcomes within this underserved population.
diversity
inclusion
