Gender-Affirming Physical Therapy
Physical therapy after top surgery or bottom surgery
If you are planning a gender-affirming surgery or you recently had a gender-affirming surgery, you’ve come to the right place!
I help people prepare for surgeries and recover quickly.
At your first physical therapy visit, we will come up with a plan to help you have less pain and move more freely. Treatment is tailored to your individual needs, with a menu of options available:
Book a FREE discovery call with Dr. Ken
Before Surgery
Recovery Planning
I help people map out how they will get through the day of surgery to 6 weeks after surgery. We talk through everything from ways to get in and out of bed to how to manage personal hygiene. This service is particularly helpful for people who want to be as independent as possible after surgery.
As part of this recovery planning, I also teach people what exercises to do in surgery center and the first days afterwards to reduce the risk of blood clots and other complications, such as a lung infection.
We review your surgical precautions (movement limitations from the doctor) so that you understand how to keep your body safe as you heal.
Strengthening Programs
Anyone can benefit from strengthening programs prior to surgery! Exercise before surgery can help with quicker recovery.
In particular, many people planning a top flattening surgery are instructed to develop their pec muscles as much as possible to help the surgeon align the scars.
If you have aesthetics goals for your top flattening surgery, I can aid you in developing chest muscle.
Breast Cancer
People of all genders can have breast cancer.
Whether your surgery was to prophylactic or to address cancer, I can help you chart a path to moving more comfortably and freely.
I am a Certified KickPink Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist.
After Surgery
Scar Massage
Scar massage is a very gentle form of bodywork that helps to soften and flatten scars.
It begins with light strokes away from the scars and progressively builds to moving the scars directly.
This work helps the limbs move more freely, with less pain and tugging sensation.
Lymphedema massage
Lymphedema massage involves light strokes along the path of the lymphatic vessels under the skin.
This form of bodywork clears out swelling and waste products in the tissue after surgery.
It is especially helpful for people with stubborn swelling leftover after surgery. It can even get rid of the uncomfortable water balloon feeling that many people have in their armpits after top surgery.
Guided movement
Whether you want to go back to playing boardgames or climbing mountains, I can help you chart a path from surgery to moving without restriction.
I provide expert guidance on body mechanics to respect your surgical precautions. I work with you to select meaningful activities that help you feel strong and confident in your new body.
One of the most common questions I get from people is "When I can return to weightlifting?". I love helping each person get back to the gym as quickly as possible, and with less pain.
Gender Resources
Free Letters For Surgery
Email Ken@b3ptco.com if you need additional help finding someone to help with letter writing
Surgeons (listed by insurance)
Washington-State Gender Affirming Providers
Email Ken@b3ptco.com if you need additional help finding an affirming provider