Can healthcare professionals implement an inclusive and positive approach for gender affirming healthcare for non-binary individuals?
Introduction
When it comes to many individuals looking for the right healthcare options for their ailments and general well-being, it can be scary and challenging to some, including many individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. Many individuals need to research when finding positive and safe healthcare facilities that listen to what the person is dealing with when getting a routine check-up or their ailments treated. Within the LGBTQ+ community, many individuals do find it difficult to express what is affecting their bodies due to past traumas of not being seen or heard due to their identities, pronouns, and orientation. This can cause numerous barriers between them and their primary doctor, leading to a negative experience. However, when medical professionals provide a positive, safe environment, listen to the person’s ailments, and be non-judgmental to their patients, they can open the doors to improving inclusive healthcare wellness within the LGBTQ+ community. Today’s article focuses on one identity within the LGBTQ+ community, known as non-binary, and how inclusive healthcare can be optimized while benefitting many individuals dealing with general aches, pains, and conditions within their bodies. Coincidentally, we communicate with certified medical providers who incorporate our patients’ information to provide a safe and positive experience in inclusive healthcare. We also inform them that there are non-surgical options to reduce the effects of general aches and pain while restoring their quality of life. We encourage our patients to ask amazing educational questions to our associated medical providers about their symptoms correlating with body pain in a safe and positive environment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an academic service. Disclaimer
What Is Non-Binary Gender?
The term non-binary is used within the LGBTQ+ community to describe a person who doesn’t identify as a male or female within the gender identity spectrum. Non-binary individuals can even fall under various gender identities that make them who they are. These can include:
Genderqueer: An individual who doesn’t follow the traditional gender norm.
Agender: An individual who doesn’t identify with any gender.
Genderfluid: An individual whose gender identity is not fixed or can change over time.
Intergender: An individual who identifies as a combination of male and female.
Androgynous: An individual whose gender expression combines masculine and feminine traits.
Gender Non-Conforming: An individual who doesn’t conform to society’s expectation of gender identity.
Transgender: An individual whose gender identity is different from their assigned gender at birth.
When it comes to non-binary binary individuals looking for healthcare treatment for their ailments, it can be a bit of a challenge as many individuals who identify as non-binary within the LGBTQ+ community have to deal with the socio-economic impact when getting treatment, which can lead to unnecessary stress when going in for a routine check-up or getting their ailments treated. (Burgwal et al., 2019) When this happens, it can lead to a negative experience for the individual and make them feel inferior. However, when healthcare professionals take the time to be properly trained, use the correct pronouns, and create an inclusive, positive, and safe space for individuals who identify as non-binary, it can open the doors to creating more of an inclusive awareness and lead to more appropriate care for the LGBTQ+ community. (Tellier, 2019)
Optimizing Your Wellness- Video
Do you or your loved ones are dealing with consistent pain in their bodies that makes it difficult to function? Do you feel stress in different body locations that correlate with musculoskeletal disorders? Or do your ailments seem to be affecting your daily routine? More often than not, in today’s ever-changing world, many individuals are researching safe and inclusive healthcare treatments to reduce their ailments. It is an important aspect to many individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, as finding the appropriate care they need can be stressful. Many healthcare professionals must provide the best possible healthcare and interventions within the LGBTQ+ community to understand the health disparities that they are experiencing. (Rattay, 2019) When healthcare professionals create a negative experience with their patients within the LGBTQ+ community, it can cause them to develop socio-economic stressors that can overlap with their pre-existing condition, creating barriers. When disparities are associated with socio-economic stressors, it can lead to poor mental health. (Baptiste-Roberts et al., 2017) When this happens, it can lead to coping mechanisms and resilience that can correlate with serious implications for the person’s overall health and well-being. However, all is not lost, as many healthcare professionals are integrating into safe, affordable, and positive healthcare spaces for individuals who identify as non-binary. We here at Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic will work on reducing the effects of health disparities while raising awareness to continuously improve positive and inclusive experiences for non-binary individuals seeking inclusive healthcare. Check out the video above to learn more about optimizing wellness to improve your health and well-being.
How To Optimize Non-Binary Inclusive Healthcare?
When it comes to inclusive health care for non-binary individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, many healthcare providers must honor the individual’s gender identity while creating a positive and trusting relationship to reduce the ailments they are experiencing. By making a safe and positive experience for their patients, LGBTQ+ individuals will start to address to their doctors what issues they are experiencing, and it allows the doctor to come up with a personalized health care plan that is catered to them while improving their health outcomes. (Gahagan & Subirana-Malaret, 2018) At the same time, being an advocate and systemically improving, including gender-affirming care, can lead to positive results and benefit LGBTQ+ individuals. (Bhatt et al., 2022)
References
Baptiste-Roberts, K., Oranuba, E., Werts, N., & Edwards, L. V. (2017). Addressing Health Care Disparities Among Sexual Minorities. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am, 44(1), 71-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogc.2016.11.003
Bhatt, N., Cannella, J., & Gentile, J. P. (2022). Gender-affirming Care for Transgender Patients. Innov Clin Neurosci, 19(4-6), 23-32. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35958971
Burgwal, A., Gvianishvili, N., Hard, V., Kata, J., Garcia Nieto, I., Orre, C., Smiley, A., Vidic, J., & Motmans, J. (2019). Health disparities between binary and non binary trans people: A community-driven survey. Int J Transgend, 20(2-3), 218-229. https://doi.org/10.1080/15532739.2019.1629370
Gahagan, J., & Subirana-Malaret, M. (2018). Improving pathways to primary health care among LGBTQ populations and health care providers: key findings from Nova Scotia, Canada. Int J Equity Health, 17(1), 76. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-018-0786-0
Rattay, K. T. (2019). Improved Data Collection for Our LGBTQ Population is Needed to Improve Health Care and Reduce Health Disparities. Dela J Public Health, 5(3), 24-26. https://doi.org/10.32481/djph.2019.06.007
Tellier, P.-P. (2019). Improving health access for gender diverse children, youth, and emerging adults? Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 24(2), 193-198. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359104518808624
How can healthcare professionals provide a positive and safe approach for gender minority healthcare for the LGBTQ+ community?
Introduction
In an ever-changing world, it can be challenging to find available treatments for body pain disorders that can impact a person’s daily routine. These body pain disorders can range from acute to chronic, depending on the location and severity. For many individuals, this can cause unnecessary stress when going in for a routine check-up with their primary doctors. However, individuals in the LGBTQ+ community are often thrown under by not being seen and heard when treated for their pain and discomfort. This, in turn, causes many problems for both the individual and the medical professional themselves when getting a routine check-up. However, there are numerous positive ways for LGBTQ+ community individuals to seek inclusive gender minority healthcare for their ailments. Today’s article will explore gender minorities and the protocols for creating an inclusive gender minority healthcare environment safely and positively for all individuals. Additionally, we communicate with certified medical providers who incorporate our patients’ information to reduce any general pain and disorders a person may have. We also encourage our patients to ask amazing educational questions for our associated medical providers about their referred pain correlating with any diseases they may have while providing an inclusive gender minority healthcare environment. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Is Gender Minority?
Are you or your loved ones dealing with muscle aches and strains after an excruciatingly long day at work? Have you been dealing with constant stress that stiffens your neck and shoulders? Or do you feel like your ailments are affecting your daily routine? Often, many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community are researching and looking for the right care for their ailments that best suits their wants and needs when seeking treatment. Gender minority healthcare is one of the important aspects of the LGBTQ+ community for individuals seeking the treatment they deserve. When it comes to creating an inclusive, safe, and positive healthcare environment, it is highly important to understand what “gender” and “minority are being defined as. Gender, as we all know, is how the world and society view a person’s sex, like male and female. A minority is defined as a person being different from the rest of the community or the group that they are in. A gender minority is defined as a person whose identity is other than the conventional gender normality many people associate with. For LGBTQ+ individuals who identify as a gender minority, it can be stressful and aggravating when seeking treatment for any ailments or for just a general check-up. This can cause many LGBTQ+ individuals to experience a high rate of discrimination in the healthcare setting that often correlates to poor health outcomes and delays when seeking care treatment. (Sherman et al., 2021) This can create a negative environment in the healthcare setting as many LGBTQ+ individuals deal with unnecessary stress and barriers to accessing inclusive healthcare. Here at the Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine clinic, we are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and positive space that offers dedicated care for the LGBTQ+ community by using gender-neutral terms, asking important questions, and building a trusting relationship in every visit.
Enhancing Health Together-Video
The Protocols Of An Inclusive Gender Minority Healthcare
When assessing inclusive gender minority healthcare for many individuals, building a trusting relationship with any patient who enters through the door is important. This allows many people within the LGBTQ+ community to be treated with dignity and respect and ensure they receive medical care like everyone else. By making these efforts, many healthcare systems can ensure the LGBTQ+ community their rights to adequate and affirming healthcare services that are provided for them. (“Health disparities affecting LGBTQ+ populations,” 2022) Below are protocols that are implemented for inclusive gender minority healthcare.
Creating A Safe Space
Creating a safe space for every patient for treatment or general check-up visits is important. Without it, it can cause health disparities between the patient and healthcare professional. Healthcare providers must be prepared to identify and address their biases so that it does not contribute to healthcare disparities that many LGBTQ+ individuals have experienced. (Morris et al., 2019) It’s already stressful enough for LGBTQ+ individuals to get the treatment they deserve. Creating a safe space in a clinical practice gives individuals a setting of respect and trust as they fill out their intake forms that include different gender identities.
Educate Yourself & Staff
Healthcare professionals must be non-judgmental, open, and ally to their patients. By educating staff members, many healthcare providers can undergo developmental training to increase their cultural humility and improve healthcare outcomes for the LGBTQ+ community. (Kitzie et al., 2023) At the same time, many healthcare providers can use gender-neutral language and ask what the patient’s preferred name is while validating and utilizing appropriate mental and health screenings. (Bhatt, Cannella, & Gentile, 2022) To this point, many healthcare providers can significantly and positively impact the individual’s experience, health outcomes, and quality of life. Reducing the structural, interpersonal, and individual stigma that many LGBTQ+ people experience can become a way to demonstrate respect not only to the individual but also to the doctors and staff members who receive it. (McCave et al., 2019)
Basic Primary Care Principles
The first thing that many healthcare providers should do is to honor the individual’s gender identity and consider what kind of information or examination for the individual to receive the care they deserve. The attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being. Being an ally can create a trusting relationship with the individual and provide them with a customizable treatment plan they can receive. This offers a safe environment for the individual and is cost-effective while getting the necessary treatment they deserve.
References
Bhatt, N., Cannella, J., & Gentile, J. P. (2022). Gender-affirming Care for Transgender Patients. Innov Clin Neurosci, 19(4-6), 23-32. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35958971
Kitzie, V., Smithwick, J., Blanco, C., Green, M. G., & Covington-Kolb, S. (2023). Co-creation of a training for community health workers to enhance skills in serving LGBTQIA+ communities. Front Public Health, 11, 1046563. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1046563
McCave, E. L., Aptaker, D., Hartmann, K. D., & Zucconi, R. (2019). Promoting Affirmative Transgender Health Care Practice Within Hospitals: An IPE Standardized Patient Simulation for Graduate Health Care Learners. MedEdPORTAL, 15, 10861. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10861
Morris, M., Cooper, R. L., Ramesh, A., Tabatabai, M., Arcury, T. A., Shinn, M., Im, W., Juarez, P., & Matthews-Juarez, P. (2019). Training to reduce LGBTQ-related bias among medical, nursing, and dental students and providers: a systematic review. BMC Med Educ, 19(1), 325. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-019-1727-3
Sherman, A. D. F., Cimino, A. N., Clark, K. D., Smith, K., Klepper, M., & Bower, K. M. (2021). LGBTQ+ health education for nurses: An innovative approach to improving nursing curricula. Nurse Educ Today, 97, 104698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2020.104698
Gender is a concept with many facets. Everyone has a gender expression. Can learning about gender expression help healthcare professionals provide better and more effective treatment plans for the LGBTQ+ community?
Gender Expression
Gender expression refers to the ways that individuals present their gender identity and themselves. This can be clothing, haircuts, behaviors, etc. For many, there can be confusion between what society expects from their gender and how these individuals choose to present themselves. Gender expression is constructed from the culture that surrounds it, meaning that there may be a shared social expectation about gender. It can also mean that the same feminine hair or clothing style in one setting could be seen as masculine in another.
Society tries to regulate expression by making women wear certain kinds of clothes, and men other kinds, in order to participate in school, work, and when in public.
When cultures enforce gender norms it is known as gender policing, which can range from dress codes to physical and emotional punishment.
Creating a safe space for all genders requires awareness of these explicit or implicit gender norms so policing can be prevented. (José A Bauermeister, et al., 2017)
Research has shown that there are increased rates of discrimination against transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals compared with bias against those who are LGBTQ. (Elizabeth Kiebel, et al., 2020)
Health Care
Gender expression can and does affect access to and quality of health care.
Individuals with a gender expression that is different from what is expected for their assigned sex at birth may experience increased bias and harassment from providers. (Human Rights Watch. 2018)
A significant percentage of patients feared health workers would treat them differently because of their expression. (Cemile Hurrem Balik Ayhan et al., 2020)
Minority stress has been shown to play an important role in health imbalances. (I H Meyer. 1995)
Research suggests that gender expression is a part of the minority stress described by cisgender sexual minorities and gender minorities. (Puckett JA, et al., 2016)
Better Training
The effects of gender expression are different depending on a person’s sex, gender identity, and their setting.
However, doctors do need to know a person’s sex that was assigned at birth to be able to do proper screening tests, like screening for prostate or cervical cancer.
One way to be more affirming is for the doctor to introduce themselves first, using their own pronouns.
Health workers should ask everyone what name they prefer to be called and what pronouns they use.
This simple act invites the patient to share without creating awkward uneasiness.
Each person chooses how to present themselves to the world, and we respect all. We at Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic will work to address the effects of minority stress on health disparities and raise awareness of the ways to continually improve positive experiences for LGTBQ+ individuals seeking inclusive health care for neuromusculoskeletal injuries, conditions, fitness, nutritional, and functional health.
Revolutionizing Healthcare
References
Bauermeister, J. A., Connochie, D., Jadwin-Cakmak, L., & Meanley, S. (2017). Gender Policing During Childhood and the Psychological Well-Being of Young Adult Sexual Minority Men in the United States. American journal of men’s health, 11(3), 693–701. https://doi.org/10.1177/1557988316680938
Kiebel, E., Bosson, J. K., & Caswell, T. A. (2020). Essentialist Beliefs and Sexual Prejudice Toward Feminine Gay Men. Journal of homosexuality, 67(8), 1097–1117. https://doi.org/10.1080/00918369.2019.1603492
Human Rights Watch. “You Don’t Want Second Best”—Anti-LGBT Discrimination in US Health Care.
Ayhan, C. H. B., Bilgin, H., Uluman, O. T., Sukut, O., Yilmaz, S., & Buzlu, S. (2020). A Systematic Review of the Discrimination Against Sexual and Gender Minority in Health Care Settings. International journal of health services: planning, administration, evaluation, 50(1), 44–61. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020731419885093
Meyer I. H. (1995). Minority stress and mental health in gay men. Journal of health and social behavior, 36(1), 38–56.
Puckett, J. A., Maroney, M. R., Levitt, H. M., & Horne, S. G. (2016). Relations between gender expression, minority stress, and mental health in cisgender sexual minority women and men. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 3(4), 489–498. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000201
How can physicians create a positive experience for LGTBQ+ individuals seeking inclusive health care for muscle pain?
Introduction
Finding proper treatment for many body pain conditions should not be challenging when numerous factors and conditions can impact a person’s lifestyle. When it comes to these factors can range from their home environment to their medical conditions, which then harms their well-being and not being heard when informed about their situation. This can cause barriers to be built up and causes the individual not to be seen or heard when seeking treatment for their pain. However, many individuals within the LGBTQ+ community can seek numerous personalized solutions to improve their general well-being and have a positive experience that suits their needs. This article explores how inclusive health care can positively impact the LGBTQ+ community and how non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care can be incorporated into a person’s personalized inclusive health care plan. Additionally, we communicate with certified medical providers who integrate our patient’s information to reduce general pain through inclusive healthcare treatment. We also inform them that non-surgical treatments can be a positive experience for them to minimize general body pain. We encourage our patients to ask amazing questions while seeking education from our associated medical providers about their pain conditions in a safe and positive environment. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., incorporates this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Is Inclusive Health Care?
Have you been dealing with constant stress that is causing pain in your body? Do you feel like there are barriers that are preventing you from getting the relief you need from your pain? Or are many environmental factors preventing you from getting back your health and wellness? Many individuals seeking treatment for general pain or conditions affecting their health and wellness will often research which care treatment suits their wants and needs in a positive and safe manner while being inclusive. Healthcare treatments like inclusive health care can provide a positive and safe outcome for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Inclusive health care can help many healthcare professionals establish an inclusive code of conduct within the LGBTQ+ community to improve health-specific outcomes. (Moran, 2021) Now inclusive health care is defined as removing barriers to health care services that should be equally accessible and affordable to many individuals regardless of age, sexual orientation, and gender identity. For many people within the LGBTQ+ community, many individuals identify as gender minorities. A gender minority is an individual who identifies as gender non-conforming and whose gender identity or expression differs from the conventional gender binary. Inclusive health care is an important aspect for the LGBTQ+ community as it can benefit people in getting the treatment they deserve.
How Does Inclusive Health Care Benefits The LGTBQ+ Community?
Regarding inclusive health care, many healthcare providers must respect their patients and their needs when coming in for a general check-up. Since many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community are already dealing with enough stress, especially young people, it is important to have a calm, safe, and non-judgmental environment promoting safety and inclusion. (Diana & Esposito, 2022) There are many ways that inclusive health care can provide beneficial results to the individual and health care provider. Some may include:
What pronouns the individual preferred
What the individual wants to be identified
Being respectful of the patient’s needs
Building a trusted relationship with the individual
When individuals in the LGBTQ+ community have inclusive health care in a positive environment, it can create a positive experience for them as it can improve mental health and general well-being and make a huge impact that can be life-saving. (Carroll & Bishop, 2022) The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Team is committed to building a positive and safe space for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community that need inclusive health care to reduce pain-like symptoms through personalized treatment plans.
How Can Chiropractic Care Transform Pain To Relief-Video
With many individuals looking for the right kind of treatment for general pain and discomfort, many people will look into non-surgical therapies. Non-surgical treatments can be beneficial for many individuals in the LGBTQ+ community as it is safe and can provide individuals with an understanding of what is impacting their bodies. Non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and MET therapy can alleviate pain-like symptoms associated with musculoskeletal disorders through a personalized treatment plan catered to the person. Many health professionals who are respectful and provide a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking inclusive health has been reported an increase in their confidence, and a decrease in their anxiety, which can potentially decrease uncertainty for future visits. (McCave et al., 2019) Creating a safe, positive environment for individuals seeking inclusive health care can help them reduce the pain they have been experiencing while easing their minds. The video explains how non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care can help reduce musculoskeletal pain associated with stress and help realign the body out of subluxation. Additionally, these small changes in creating a safe and inclusive environment when receiving health care can make a lasting and positive impact on many individuals. (Bhatt, Cannella, & Gentile, 2022)
Utilizing Beneficial Treatments For Inclusive Health Care
When it comes to non-surgical treatments being part of inclusive treatment, it is critical to reduce the health disparities and to ensure that many LGBTQ+ individuals receive the needed medical they deserve. (Cooper et al., 2023) Since many individuals face unique health challenges, from body and gender dysmorphia to common muscle strains associated with musculoskeletal disorders, many individuals can seek non-surgical treatments like chiropractic care. Chiropractic care can help meet the individual’s needs by supporting their musculoskeletal health and general well-being. (Maiers, Foshee, & Henson Dunlap, 2017) Chiropractic care can reduce musculoskeletal conditions that many LGBTQ+ individuals have and can be aware of what factors are affecting their bodies in a safe and positive environment. Non-surgical treatments can be combined with other therapies in inclusive health care for LGBTQ+ individuals. They can provide a safe environment in the clinic and improve their care quality by being cost-effective. (Johnson & Green, 2012) Inclusive health care can help make LGBTQ+ individuals a safe and positive space to make them get the treatment they deserve without negativity.
References
Bhatt, N., Cannella, J., & Gentile, J. P. (2022). Gender-affirming Care for Transgender Patients. Innov Clin Neurosci, 19(4-6), 23-32. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35958971
Carroll, R., & Bisshop, F. (2022). What you need to know about gender-affirming healthcare. Emerg Med Australas, 34(3), 438-441. https://doi.org/10.1111/1742-6723.13990
Cooper, R. L., Ramesh, A., Radix, A. E., Reuben, J. S., Juarez, P. D., Holder, C. L., Belton, A. S., Brown, K. Y., Mena, L. A., & Matthews-Juarez, P. (2023). Affirming and Inclusive Care Training for Medical Students and Residents to Reduce Health Disparities Experienced by Sexual and Gender Minorities: A Systematic Review. Transgend Health, 8(4), 307-327. https://doi.org/10.1089/trgh.2021.0148
Johnson, C. D., & Green, B. N. (2012). Diversity in the chiropractic profession: preparing for 2050. J Chiropr Educ, 26(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.7899/1042-5055-26.1.1
Maiers, M. J., Foshee, W. K., & Henson Dunlap, H. (2017). Culturally Sensitive Chiropractic Care of the Transgender Community: A Narrative Review of the Literature. J Chiropr Humanit, 24(1), 24-30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.echu.2017.05.001
McCave, E. L., Aptaker, D., Hartmann, K. D., & Zucconi, R. (2019). Promoting Affirmative Transgender Health Care Practice Within Hospitals: An IPE Standardized Patient Simulation for Graduate Health Care Learners. MedEdPORTAL, 15, 10861. https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10861
It can be challenging to find the proper treatment for general aches and pains in the body due to various environmental factors. These factors, such as home life, physical activity, and work conditions, can lead to overlapping symptoms that negatively impact a person’s mental and emotional well-being. If left untreated and depending on the severity, these symptoms can develop into chronic conditions. However, individuals can find personalized solutions to reduce pain and discomfort by taking charge of their health and wellness. This article will explore gender-affirming care, a treatment that can benefit the LGBT+ community, and non-surgical options like spinal decompression and chiropractic care. We work with certified medical providers who use our patients’ valuable information to provide treatments like gender-affirming care for individuals with general body pain. We encourage patients to ask essential questions and seek education from our associated medical providers about their condition. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., provides this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Is Gender-Affirming Care?
When seeking treatment, people often research and find the care that best suits their needs. One treatment that has been shown to impact many individuals positively is gender-affirming care. Research studies revealed that this process could address gender affirmation through various means, including clothing, hair, voice and pronouns, name changes, medical and surgical care, and social transition. People may use gender-affirming care uniquely to receive the treatment they deserve. Research also suggests that gender-affirming care should be multidisciplinary, involving diagnostic assessments, psychotherapy/counseling, and therapies. Many individuals in the LGBT+ community seek gender-affirming care to improve their mental and physical well-being, which can be life-saving.
How Does Gender-Affirming Care Help The LGBT+?
Gender-affirming care is an important aspect of supporting the LGBT+ community. It involves acknowledging and accepting a person’s gender identity and making necessary changes to help them express it. Creating a safe and positive environment for gender-affirming care can significantly improve the experience, health outcomes, and life quality of many individuals in the LGBT+ community, particularly those who identify as transgender. It’s important to understand the meaning of “gender” and “affirming” to provide effective care. Gender refers to how society perceives a person’s sex as either male/man or female/woman, while affirming involves accepting and validating a person’s identity. Research studies have revealed that gender-affirming care positively impacts the LGBT+ community, making it a crucial component of healthcare for this population.
In the LGBT+ community, the “T” stands for transgender individuals with a gender identity that does not match their assigned sex at birth. This can include:
Transgender woman: Male-to-female, assigned male at birth, lives female/affirmed woman, transfeminine spectrum
Transgender man: Female-to-male, assigned female at birth, live male/affirmed man, transmasculine spectrum
Transexual: individuals in the transgender community who has transitioned to the opposite sex, often including sexual reassignment surgery
Many transgender people seek gender-affirming care to improve their overall health and well-being by making changes to align their bodies and mind. Unfortunately, there are barriers associated with accessing gender-affirming care.
Barriers Associated With Gender-Affirming Care
Accessing gender-affirming care can be a barrier for many in the LGBT+ community, leading to poor mental health, decreased social support, and discrimination. Research studies revealed that these burdens can contribute to developing body dysmorphia and associated symptoms. Research has shown that individuals with body dysmorphia may develop comorbid disorders during general examinations, including gender dysmorphia, which can lead to distress for the patient. However, creating a safe and respectful environment for the LGBT+ community is possible by providing personalized gender-affirming care. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Team is committed to building a positive space for individuals who identify as transgender and alleviating pain-like symptoms through personalized treatment plans.
The Benefits of a Healthy Diet & Chiropractic Care- Video
Beneficial Treatments Utilize In Gender-Affirming Care
There is hope for individuals seeking gender-affirming care, as many beneficial treatments are available. Non-surgical options such as spinal decompression and chiropractic care can ease musculoskeletal issues and educate patients on environmental factors that affect their well-being. Hormone, physical, and mental therapy are important for personalized care plans, making them affordable and ensuring safety. Individuals in the LGBT+ community face unique health challenges, and having a safe and positive space can make their health and wellness journey more manageable.
References
Bhatt, N., Cannella, J., & Gentile, J. P. (2022). Gender-affirming Care for Transgender Patients. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, 19(4-6), 23–32. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9341318/
Carroll, R., & Bisshop, F. (2022). What you need to know about gender‐affirming healthcare. Emergency Medicine Australasia, 34(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/1742-6723.13990
Grant, J. E., Lust, K., & Chamberlain, S. R. (2019). Body dysmorphic disorder and its relationship to sexuality, impulsivity, and addiction. Psychiatry Research, 273, 260–265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2019.01.036
Hashemi, L., Weinreb, J., Weimer, A. K., & Weiss, R. L. (2018). Transgender Care in the Primary Care Setting: A Review of Guidelines and Literature. Federal Practitioner, 35(7), 30–37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6368014/
Kaplan, E., & Bard, P. (2023). The Ultimate Spinal Decompression. JETLAUNCH.
Tordoff, D. M., Wanta, J. W., Collin, A., Stepney, C., Inwards-Breland, D. J., & Ahrens, K. (2022). Mental Health Outcomes in Transgender and Nonbinary Youths Receiving Gender-Affirming Care. JAMA Network Open, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.0978
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might want to consider seeing a chiropractor.
Transgender Discrimination
Going to get a routine checkup from either the doctor or the dentist is stressful enough for individuals. For transgender individuals, going to get a routine checkup is even more stressful for them as they are more often getting mistreated or even denied care that they needed. In a 2009 survey, around 70% of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals have reported experience the following:
Refusal of health care
Healthcare professional refusing to touch or use precautions to individuals
Healthcare professionals using unnecessary abusive language
Blamed for their own health wellness
Healthcare professionals being abusive to the patients
Additional surveys also revealed that transgender health care is discriminated and has kept at least one-third of transgender individuals from seeking medical help for any illnesses or injuries that they may have encountered. It is especially startling that many transgender patients have educated their doctors about transgender health.
Transgender is defined as �an individual who feels that their gender identity does not match their physical body and is different from the gender they are born in.� A 2016 data analysis by The Williams Institute, found out that about 1.4 million American individuals that identify as transgender.
Transgender individuals are beginning to speak about their problems and issues. They talk about the concerns about how office staff are feeling betrayed during their transitional status, all the way to others discriminating in the health care they are receiving. Transgender individuals are providing medical professionals what they can and should do to make sure that they feel safe in the medical professional’s care. Without awareness and education, the healthcare providers are not doing; these issues are more likely to escalate with the growing transgender population.
What Practitioners Need To Do
In March 2019, two individuals Emma Vosicky and Jaime Pagano, addressed to the students and faculty at the National University of Health Sciences (NUHS) Pride Medical Alliance (PMA) club about the challenges they faced. These two individuals were worried about how they would be treated differently by the office staff and were in fear of those who would betray them by sharing their information. These transgender speakers went ahead and discussed the difficult challenges that went beyond the physical transformations that they and many others have faced when seeking medical care.
Vosicky went ahead and discussed how necessary it was to “out” herself to a medical professional when they were asking her about the medication she was taking or discussing the previous medical history that did not match her appearance. Both speakers suggested that healthcare providers should consider different ways that they can let their patients know that they are non-discriminatory to them.
Pagano discussed how he felt much safer when he sees an intake form that included different sex options in a doctor’s lobby. Terms that are in the intake form includes gender non-conforming, non-binary, trans-female, and trans male, alongside with male and female. He said that this feels helpful to the provider he was seeing to be aware and cognizant that everyone is not living in a male/female only world. Pagano also mentioned that he feels more confident that his provider will be more clinically aware of his needs.
The NUHS faculty member Jamine Blesoff, ND, has worked with transgender youth and stressed that it is vital for physicians to ensure that their patients’ care is essential throughout each stage of their transitions.� Dr. Blesoff noted that health practitioners still must provide a PAP test for men who are transitioning from being female as well as a prostate exam for pre-surgical women. Dr. Blesoff expresses concern that some doctors will not provide any type of service to transgender patients.
“It is a universal requirement that healthcare practitioners adhere to HIPAA laws and to make sure that their transgender patients are treated with dignity, respect, and above all else, ensuring that they receive the needed medical care that they deserve like everyone else.”-Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Being Gender Neutral
Healthcare professionals should always build trust with any patients that walks through the door. Healthcare providers have to make sure that the intake forms provide space for patient�s gender identity. In addition to the patient’s physical status, transgender patients can indicate their preferred identity, and healthcare professionals can ask what pronouns the patients preferred like he/she/they and uses them throughout their visit.
Speak Respectfully
Doctors should consider using their patient�s chosen name instead of their �real� name if it does not show up in their records and ask the patient if a different name is listed. Healthcare professionals should politely apologize if they use the individual’s wrong name or identity. Even though it may be a bit challenging for long-time patients, but as long as healthcare professionals are making an effort, it will become a way of demonstrating respect not only to the patient but to the doctors as well.
“I always believe that intent matters more than words,” Sam Brinton said, who is the Head of Advocacy and Government Affairs at The Trevor Project. Brinton also mentioned, “There is a difference between ‘I cannot’ and ‘I am trying.’ If you intend to hurt me by not using my pronouns, that matters more than any words you say.”
Recognize the Physical Discomfort
For transgender patients to feel safe and that they are getting the medical care that they need, doctors should take care of them and be respectful to their patient�s needs. For transgender patients, it is already stressful enough for them to get a routine check. When doctors are respectful of their patient’s needs and not to continue procedures to them, that will cause them shame and physical discomfort.
Treat the Ailments Only
Healthcare professionals should consider what kind of information or examination that they are giving to their patients the care they needed. So providing necessary medical care like back pains, stomach problems, immune disorders, or a general checkup is essential.
Educate the Staff
All medical staff that interacts with patients must educate themselves on how to provide comfort and care when they are dealing with transgender patients. Medical providers and medical staff must apply the knowledge of interacting with patients on a day to day basis.
Conclusion
Transgender healthcare is a necessity for these individuals that are trying to get the same benefits that everyone else is getting. Healthcare professionals must be respectful and provide the best care to offer for patients with different identities and backgrounds. Educating and being aware of what the patient is going through is part of the doctor’s job to assist not only themselves better but also inform the patient a solution while making them feel comfortable. Some products are here to support anyone’s ailments and provide support to the intestines, gastrointestinal function, and muscular system.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
References:
Flores, Andrew R., et al. �How Many Adults Identify As Transgender In The United States?� The William Institute, June 2016, williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/How-Many-Adults-Identify-as-Transgender-in-the-United-States.pdf.
Marshall, Tari. �Transgender Health Care: How to Meet Their Needs.� Transgender Health Care: How to Meet Their Needs, 20 Nov. 2019, blog.nuhs.edu/the-future-of-integrative-health/transgender-health-care-how-to-meet-their-needs.
Marshall, Tari. �When He/She May Be They/Them.� LinkedIn, 13 Feb. 2018, www.linkedin.com/pulse/when-heshe-may-theythem-tari-marshall?trk=portfolio_article-card_title.
Team, Lambda. �Lambda Legal Releases Health Care Discrimination Survey Results; More Than Half of LGBT and HIV Positive Respondents Report Discrimination.� Lambda Legal, 4 Feb. 2010, www.lambdalegal.org/news/ny_20100204_lambda-releases-health.
Team, NUHS. �Pride Club Program Addresses Transgender Experiences with Medical Professionals: National University of Health Sciences Illinois & Florida.� Earn a Degree Chiropractic, Naturopathy, and Acupuncture Medicine |�National University of Health Sciences, 13 Mar. 2019, www.nuhs.edu/news/2019/3/pride-club-program-addresses-transgender-experiences-with-medical-professionals/.
Team, The Trevor Project. �Saving Young LGBTQ Lives.� The Trevor Project, 2019, www.thetrevorproject.org/#sm.00013irq131dh2e6qpejz1qoa103y.
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