Moving Toward Inclusion: Exploring Physical Therapy as Gender-Affirming Care

Presenter: Ella (E) Simonsen

Faculty Sponsor: Caryn Brause

School: UMass Amherst

Research Area: LGBTQ+

Session: Poster Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM, 163, C8

ABSTRACT

As transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals gain visibility in the United States, transphobia persists in harmful ways, particularly in healthcare settings. Trans patients frequently face insufficient care compounded by bias and discrimination from providers, leading to inequitable experiences. While education and research addressing the health risks and treatment needs of trans populations are growing, the field of physical therapy remains underexplored in this context. Therefore, this thesis seeks to understand the barriers physical therapists (PTs) face when treating trans clients and the gaps in their educational preparation. Despite a genuine desire to help, physical therapists may lack the tools to serve this community effectively. Therefore, using a review of existing literature on the needs and experiences of transgender folks in physical therapy and the educational opportunities available to physical therapists, as well as semi-structured interviews with PTs with a demonstrated focus in TGD care, this thesis explores ways to bridge these gaps. The findings of this study will provide insights to enable healthcare providers to deliver respectful and affirming care, thereby promoting a safer and more equitable healthcare environment for transgender and gender diverse patients.

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