Introduction to Culturally Safe Care for Trans People in Physiotherapy

Overview

This foundational course supports physiotherapists in developing culturally safe, inclusive, and respectful care for trans and gender-diverse people across all areas of practice. People who are trans and gender diverse frequently experience discrimination in healthcare — from misgendering and deadnaming to difficulty accessing providers with the knowledge and skills to offer safe, affirming care. These experiences contribute to unmet healthcare needs and reduced trust in the healthcare system.

Gaps in care often stem from limited professional training in gender diversity, unrecognized bias, and broader systemic barriers. These challenges are also present within physiotherapy, where assessment and treatment frequently involve body exposure and physical touch, which can make care particularly uncomfortable or unsafe for trans and gender-diverse individuals.

Through practical examples, clear language guidance, and real-world clinical scenarios, this course introduces essential terminology and explores how physiotherapists can make meaningful changes to create safer, more affirming practice environments. Designed as an accessible entry point, the session emphasizes small but impactful actions that improve patient experiences, therapeutic relationships, and quality of care for trans and gender-diverse people.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe foundational concepts related to gender identity, gender expression, and trans experiences.

2. Recognize barriers trans and gender-diverse people may face in physiotherapy and healthcare settings.

3. Apply inclusive language and communication strategies during introductions, assessments, and ongoing care.

4. Reflect on personal and systemic biases that may impact clinical interactions.

5. Identify practical steps and resources to continue learning and improving culturally safe practice.

Audience

This course is intended for:

• Physiotherapists working in any clinical setting, including orthopaedic, pelvic health, neurological, cardiorespiratory, and community care.

• Students and early-career clinicians seeking foundational education in inclusive practice.

• Clinicians who want to improve confidence and comfort when working with trans and gender-diverse patients.

• Healthcare professionals committed to equity, diversity, and culturally safe care.

• Physiotherapists completing continuing professional development requirements.

No prior experience or specialized knowledge in gender-affirming care is required.

About the Presenters

Stéphanie Madill (she/her)

Stephanie is an assistant professor of rehabilitation science at the University of Saskatchewan. She undertook her physiotherapy training at the University of Alberta, graduating in 1993 with a BSc(PT). She completed her graduate studies at Queen's University under Linda McLean. Stéphanie' s primary research focus currently is on 2SLGBTQ+ health and access to healthcare in Saskatchewan. She is the co-principal investigator of the TRANS project, which has just completed a one-year pilot of two healthcare navigators for people who are trans and gender diverse in Saskatchewan.

Ken Mullock (he/him)

Ken is a Trans Health Navigator with the TRANS project. Over the past year, Ken has helped transgender people access health needs and has educated providers on trans-inclusive care. He brings his lived experience into his role, along with his health professional training. In 2021, Ken graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a BSc in Nutrition and now “wears many hats” as a dietitian. Ken is a white settler born, raised, and working on Treaty 4 land.

Why This Course Matters

Trans and gender-diverse people continue to experience significant barriers, stigma, and harm within healthcare systems — often related to language, assumptions, and lack of provider education rather than clinical intent.

This course matters because it:

• Provides practical, achievable changes that clinicians can implement immediately.

• Improves patient safety, trust, and therapeutic rapport through respectful communication.

• Supports inclusive practice across all physiotherapy settings, not only pelvic health.

• Encourages lifelong learning, positioning this course as a starting point rather than an endpoint.

• Aligns with broader professional responsibilities around cultural safety, ethics, and patient-centred care.