+ What kind of questions will be asked?

Embarking on a pelvic health journey with Candace at Wellness Within involves a thorough understanding of your unique needs and concerns. During your initial consultation, Candace will ask a series of questions to ensure a comprehensive assessment tailored to your individual situation. Some of the questions you can anticipate include:

• Primary Concern:

What is the specific problem that is currently bothering you the most?

• Bladder Function:

Questions about your bladder function, such as frequency of toilet visits during the day and night. Inquiries about urinary leakage, including the frequency, amount, and circumstances. Whether you experience a sense of urgency or rush to reach the toilet. Details about any symptoms during urination, such as pain or feelings of incomplete emptying.

• Bowel Function:

Inquiries about your bowel function, including frequency, ease of bowel movements, and any pain or difficulty. Details about the consistency of bowel motions and any loss of bowel control. Whether you feel a sense of urgency to reach the toilet.

• Childbirth History:

Questions regarding your childbirth history, including the number of children, types of deliveries, and the weight of the babies.

• Prolapse Symptoms:

Inquiry about any symptoms of prolapse, such as a feeling of something dropping internally, heaviness, or a lump/bulging inside the vagina or rectum.

• Sexual Intercourse:

Questions about sexual intercourse, including any pain or difficulties you may be experiencing.

• Medical History:

Inquiry about your overall medical history, including current medical problems, medications, and past surgeries.

• Lifestyle Impact:

Understanding your work and leisure activities to assess how your condition may be impacting your daily life. Candace ensures that these questions are asked with sensitivity and respect for your comfort. Open communication is key to creating a personalized treatment plan to address your pelvic health needs effectively.

+ What kind of examination will be performed?

Understanding what to expect during a pelvic health examination is essential for your comfort and informed decision-making. Candace, our dedicated pelvic floor health physiotherapist at Wellness Within, prioritizes your well-being and ensures a respectful and comprehensive examination process.

Your Consent Matters: Your comfort is paramount. Candace will always seek your permission before initiating any examination. You have the right to decline any part of the examination, although it's important to note that this may limit the diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Candace will openly discuss the implications of your choices to ensure you make informed decisions about your care.

Potential Components of a Pelvic Health Examination:

• Posture and Functional Activities:

Assessment of your posture and functional movements, such as a squat, to understand the impact on your pelvic health. External Genital Area Examination:

Examination of the external genital area, ensuring a thorough check for signs of infection, age-related changes, and prolapse. While this may be uncomfortable for some, it is a crucial step in assessing your pelvic health.

• Pelvic Floor Muscle Assessment:

Candace may ask you to contract the pelvic floor muscles while externally observing changes in the vulva and abdomen. This helps in understanding muscle function and identifying potential issues.

• Internal Vaginal Examination:

Considered the gold standard for assessing pelvic floor function, an internal examination may be performed. Candace will use one or two gloved fingers to assess the pelvic floor muscles internally. This allows for a detailed examination of muscle tone, potential prolapse, and any tender or tight areas. Contracting and relaxing the muscles during this process provides valuable insights into their function.

Candace will always prioritize your comfort and communication during the examination, ensuring a respectful and supportive environment. If you have any concerns or preferences, feel free to discuss them with Candace before or during the examination. Your well-being is our priority at Wellness Within.

+ Why Opt for Internal Examination in Pelvic Floor?

Your pelvic floor health is a deeply personal and individual journey, and at Wellness Within, we prioritize your comfort and unique needs. Candace, our specialized pelvic floor health physiotherapist, understands the delicate nature of these concerns and approaches your assessment and treatment with the utmost sensitivity.

• Respecting Your Personal Process: Your rehabilitation is regarded as a sacred and highly personal process. We recognize the delicacy of pelvic health issues and tailor your assessment and treatment program to align with your specific needs and comfort level.

• Professional Guidance with Sensitivity: Candace, as your physiotherapist, is a highly trained and sensitive professional. Before proceeding with any treatment, she will engage in open dialogue with you, discussing any concerns and ensuring that you are ready for and comfortable with the proposed steps. Your emotional and physical well-being are integral to the ongoing care process.

• International Best Practices: In many European countries, internal examination and treatment of the pelvic floor have been standard practices for years. Some countries even prioritize pelvic floor physiotherapy under government health care, especially after childbirth and as the primary option before considering pelvic surgeries. Research indicates that internal assessment by a physiotherapist yields highly successful outcomes for pelvic pain and incontinence.

• The Gold Standard for Pelvic Floor Care: Internal palpation is considered the Gold Standard for pelvic floor care. Similar to an orthopedic surgeon or physiotherapist examining a knee directly, assessing the pelvic floor internally allows for a precise understanding of muscle tone, strength, and joint movements. This approach is essential for effective treatment tailored to your unique needs.

• Open Communication is Key: If you ever feel uncomfortable or have questions regarding the internal examination, Candace is here to address your concerns. Open communication between you and your physiotherapist ensures that your journey to pelvic health is guided with respect and understanding.

Your well-being and comfort are our top priorities at Wellness Within. Candace is here to support you on your pelvic health journey, ensuring a personalized and compassionate approach every step of the way. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to discuss them openly with Candace.

+ Is an Internal Examination Mandatory?

No, undergoing an internal examination is not mandatory at Wellness Within. While it is considered a gold standard assessment for pelvic dysfunction, we understand that personal comfort is paramount. Your journey to pelvic health is approached with sensitivity and respect for your individual needs.

• An Analogy for Understanding: We liken the decision to undergo an internal examination to visiting a dermatologist for a rash but choosing not to remove the clothing covering the affected area. Although the internal exam provides valuable insights, our skilled physiotherapist, Candace, can often gather substantial information through comprehensive history-taking and evaluation.

• Prioritizing Your Comfort: Your overall comfort and compliance with the treatment plan are our primary concerns. If you opt not to have an internal examination, rest assured that we will gather as much information as possible through alternative means. While this approach may require a few additional visits, it allows us to tailor your treatment effectively.

• Consent is Empowered: At any point during your treatment, you have the authority to give or withdraw consent. If you have reservations about undergoing an internal examination, we encourage open communication with Candace. Together, you and Candace can decide the best course of action and when or if an internal examination should be considered. Many women we've treated have successfully started with external treatments, addressing pain conditions with personalized care.

Your comfort, autonomy, and informed decision-making are fundamental to your experience at Wellness Within. Candace is here to support you on your path to pelvic health, ensuring a collaborative and respectful approach to your unique needs. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to discuss them openly with Candace.

+ Managing Your Appointment During Menstruation

• Can I Keep My Appointment if I Have My Period? Absolutely. At Wellness Within, our therapists, including Candace specializing in women's pelvic floor health, are fully equipped to assess and treat the pelvic floor even if you are currently menstruating.

• Consideration for Your Comfort: We understand that individual preferences and comfort levels vary. If you feel uneasy about undergoing an assessment during your period or if your flow is particularly heavy, Candace can adjust the approach. Options include proceeding with an external assessment or treatment, or if you prefer, rescheduling your appointment. Candace is committed to ensuring your comfort and will discuss these options with you.

• Rescheduling with Notice: Should you decide to reschedule, we kindly request at least 1 business day's notice. This allows us to accommodate your preferences and maintain the smooth operation of our clinic.

Your well-being and comfort are our priorities at Wellness Within. Candace is here to provide personalized care, taking into account your preferences and needs. If you have any concerns or wish to discuss your appointment in relation to your menstrual cycle, please feel free to communicate openly with Candace.