LGBTQIA+ INCLUSIVE CARE
Inclusive pelvic health physiotherapy to support you, fully.
At Maia Pelvic Health, we believe that everybody deserves to understand, trust and rebuild faith in their body. We welcome all members of the intersex and transgender community experiencing any pelvic health conditions. As well, those who may like to discuss pelvic health while considering or preparing for gender-affirming surgery.
Your personal, emotional and physical history are welcomed in our clinic openly, and fully. I am conscious that challenges and barriers in the medical field, or in your personal and social life, may play a role in your life today. I am here with tenderness and support to honour your life experiences with respect and understanding.
Given that neurodiversity is more prevalent in the LGBTQIA+ community, I am also conscious of the physical and mental health components that can affect pelvic functions. I work to continuously adapt my services, approach and process to best meet you in the ways that will be of the greatest support to you.
Our initial consult runs for one hour, either in my Sunshine Coast pelvic health clinic or via Telehealth. This is $245, though you may be eligible for a rebate through Medicare if you have a GPCCMP or through Private Health.
Depending on your symptoms and goals, I may recommend a pelvic floor assessment as part of your treatment plan. I always offer options, which include the option for an external ultrasound assessment in place of traditional internal (vaginal or rectal) examinations. The entire process is explained in detail, is performed only with full, informed consent, and you’re welcome to change your mind at any time.
Follow-up appointments can be booked from $160 in-person or through Telehealth.
Pelvic pain
When pelvic pain strikes during exercise, intimacy or simply by sitting it can range from frustrating to exhausting. And without specialised therapy, it can be a particularly lonely experience with no clear answers. We are here to support and guide you.
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (HRT) and gender surgical reassignment can play significant roles in pelvic pain, though through gentle rehabilitation, progress works to take shape.
Inclusive pelvic health physio can help with:
- Dilator therapy
- Pelvic floor assessment
- Pelvic floor manual therapy
- Breathing and relaxation strategies
Sexual dysfunction
Body dissatisfaction among trans women correlates with sexual distress, while higher body satisfaction leads to increased sexual satisfaction. Your plan is personalised to your unique experience, compassionately and with deep respect.
Inclusive pelvic health physio can help with:
- Pelvic pain
- Erectile dysfunction
- Recovery after gender-affirming care
Vaginal dilators
Vaginal dilators are useful tools designed to support the relaxation of pelvic floor muscles. They are particularly useful following gender-affirming surgery and can lead to less painful intercourse by graded exposure and pelvic floor down-training (relaxation).
Through a tender, caring process, we will discuss the right treatment plan for you, which may include a vaginal dilator if this is aligned with your personal goals and hopes for the future.
Inclusive pelvic health physio can help with:
- Dilator program
- Pelvic floor assessment
- Pelvic floor relaxation strategies
Bladder & bowel dysfunction
Whether it’s holding in urine due to insufficient inclusive bathrooms, HRT stalling bowel movements, or leading to IBS, bladder and bowel dysfunction has significant effects on everyday life when experienced alone.
Barriers to sufficient care can play a role in members of the LGBTQIA+ community, leading to bladder and bowel dysfunction. We’re here as supportive care to work with you.
Inclusive pelvic health physio can help with:
- Pelvic floor assessment
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Healthy bladder habits
- Healthy bowel habits
- Pelvic floor relaxation strategies
Your path to confidence with Maia Pelvic Health
Here are our steps forward. Let collaboration light our path as we navigate your pelvic health’s road ahead, together.
1. Chat
Book your initial consult for in-clinic or through Telehealth. We’ll get to know each other and uncover what your body’s telling us, and potentially why.
2. Plan
Based on your goals, we’ll create an action plan outlining milestones and a complete timeline to work towards. This is all designed to work with your lifestyle.
3. Act
Together we’ll land on daily exercises and potentially supportive tools that fit with your lifestyle. Either through self-management or in clinic, depending on circumstances.
4. Aftercare
My services are designed to have an end date. In saying that, your wellbeing genuinely matters to me, so don’t be surprised if I check in to see how you are far down the track.