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Muscle Tension During Gender Transition: Supporting Trans Women’s Musculoskeletal Health

  • Mar 24
  • 3 min read

By Jacqueline Campos (Remedial Massage)


Expanding the Conversation Around Women’s Health


As part of Women’s Health Month, we want to highlight an often overlooked aspect of care: supporting the physical wellbeing of trans women.


When we talk about women’s health, this includes both cisgender and transgender women, each with their own experiences, physiology, and needs.


In Australia, recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that around 0.9% of the population identifies as transgender or gender diverse, including approximately 52,500 trans women (ABS, 2024).



A Body Going Through Change


During gender transition, the body can undergo significant physical changes over a relatively short period of time.


With gender-affirming hormone therapy, research shows that trans women may experience a reduction of around 5% in muscle mass within the first 12 months, alongside changes in strength and body composition (Wiik et al., 2020; Cheung et al., 2023). Some of these changes can begin as early as 3 to 6 months (Hembree et al., 2017).


These changes are expected and often desired. At the same time, they can place new demands on the body as it adapts.



What we Know, and What We’re Still Learning


Research gives us a clear picture of changes in muscle mass, strength, and fat distribution during transition.


What we are still learning more about is how these changes are experienced day-to-day, including:

In practice, these experiences are common. They are not necessarily signs that something is wrong, but rather that the body is reorganising and adjusting.



A Body in Adaptation


As muscle mass and weight distribution shift, the body needs to relearn how to move, stabilise, and support itself.


This can increase load in certain areas, particularly:

At the same time, transition can be emotionally significant. Increased stress, alongside adjusting to a changing body, can influence the nervous system and contribute to physical tension or discomfort.


What we often see is an interplay between:

  • Physical change

  • Biomechanical adaptation

  • Nervous system response



How we can Support the Body


During periods of change, the body benefits from gentle, consistent support.


At Realign Health Clinic, our approach focuses on helping the body adapt with greater ease.

  • Massage therapy may help release muscle tension, improve circulation, and support areas that feel overworked

  • Chiropractic care supports joint mobility and alignment, helping the body adjust to new movement patterns

  • Acupuncture may assist in calming the nervous system and supporting regulation of stress responses

Together, these therapies aim to support comfort, balance, and adaptability as the body changes.



Supporting you Through Change


Your body is not doing something wrong. It is adapting.If you’re noticing muscle tension, fatigue, or changes in how your body feels and moves, you don’t have to navigate that alone.


At Realign, we’re here to support you in a way that feels safe, respectful, and tailored to your experience.


Start With a Conversation

If you’re curious about how care can support you during gender transition, we’re here to help.

Book a session with our team to explore how massage, chiropractic care, and acupuncture can support your body through change.



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