Physical Therapy and Trans Health: Supporting Your Body Through Every Stage of Transition

At Elation Physical Therapy, we believe healthcare should meet you exactly where you are. For transgender and nonbinary individuals, physical therapy can be an essential part of the gender transition journey — not only after gender-affirming surgery, but in every stage, including hormone therapy and pre-surgical preparation. Your body is undergoing change, and we’re here to support that transformation with evidence-informed care, compassion, and dignity.

Your Body Is Evolving — And We Can Help You Adapt

During the early stages of transition, many people begin hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which brings powerful changes. For trans women, estrogen can lead to shifts in muscle mass, fat distribution, and flexibility. For trans men, testosterone can increase muscle growth, change energy levels, and impact connective tissues.

These changes are real, and they can affect how your body moves and feels.

A physical therapist can help you navigate those changes by focusing on:

• Postural alignment: As your muscle mass redistributes, you may experience changes in your center of gravity or postural habits. We’ll assess and adjust your posture to reduce strain and improve confidence in movement.

• Strength and mobility training: Hormonal changes can impact muscle strength and joint flexibility. We tailor exercises to build strength where you need it most, improve balance, and help your body feel strong and capable in its new form.

• Pain prevention and injury reduction: Adapting to your new body mechanics helps prevent chronic pain, especially in areas like the neck, lower back, and hips.

• Gender-affirming movement goals: Whether you're working on voice therapy posture, binding safely, tucking, or enhancing a more gender-affirming silhouette, we’re here to support your goals with evidence-based strategies.

Beyond Post-Op: Trans Health Is More Than Surgery

Many physical therapy clinics focus solely on post-operative rehab for gender-affirming procedures. And yes — that care is vital and something we specialize in through our ELATION Protocol. But trans health doesn’t begin and end in the operating room.

At Elation, we recognize that the journey of transition is physical, emotional, and deeply individual. Physical therapy can be a consistent, affirming support during this journey, helping you build strength, prevent discomfort, and feel more at home in your changing body.

Our goal is not to "fix" you — it’s to empower you to move confidently, safely, and joyfully.

Trauma-Informed, Affirming, and Inclusive Care

We know that trans and nonbinary individuals often face discrimination and misunderstanding in medical spaces. That’s why we’ve built our clinic culture around trauma-informed care, LGBTQ+ competency, and genuine respect.

You’ll never have to explain or justify your identity here.

Our team is trained to ask for pronouns, respect chosen names, and understand the physical and emotional realities of transition. Whether you’re coming in for pelvic floor therapy, mobility work, or gender-affirming rehab, we see you, and we’re honored to be part of your care team.

Let’s Move Toward Joy

Transitioning can be a beautiful and challenging process. Physical therapy offers practical, affirming support for your body as it evolves. Whether you're pre-op, post-op, mid-transition, or anywhere in between, we’re here to help you move with strength, confidence, and pride.

Book a consultation today and find out how Elation Physical Therapy can support your unique journey.

Author

Dr. Roy Rivera, Jr., PT, PhD, DPT, MCHESDr. Rivera is a licensed physical therapist and owner of Elation Physical Therapy in Houston and Pearland, Texas. Working across a variety of health care settings, Dr. Rivera has a philosophy and interest in helping people reach or return to their peak physical conditions in the face of physiological setbacks. After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, Dr. Rivera went on to earn his Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Dr. Rivera continued his education at the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah, completing his Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). He then went on to earn his Doctor of Philosophy in Health Studies at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas.