Rhode Island Therapy & Wellness For Women | FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you see any male patients?

A: Our South County office is dedicated to treating women only. However, our Cranston office does offer men's health services.

Q: What can I expect during my first visit?

A: During your first appointment, you will receive a full evaluation of your overall health and wellness. We will go through your health history together, pinpoint your needs, and work to create a treatment plan for you. We will work with your physician, your preferences, and our expertise and evaluation to create a health plan of action. We often integrate various types of treatments including physical therapy, exercise, group classes such as yoga or Tai Chi, etc. Many patients will receive a physical exam, focusing on the areas of the body that are an issue or cause pain. For pelvic floor dysfunction, there is no exam during the first appointment. Instead, that first visit includes allows time for the patient to meet their therapist and receive an introduction to the condition and treatment, information on symptoms, anatomy education, tips for treating at home, and recommendations for exercise.

Q: How should I dress for my appointment?

A: It’s a great idea to wear loose comfortable clothing so that your physical therapist can help you to move freely during the visit. For example, if you have a knee injury, loose comfortable shorts are advisable. For patients with continence issues, you will be draped in sheets to maintain for privacy to make you more comfortable during your therapy. For patients rehabilitating after breast surgery, you may wear a hospital gown or sometimes a tank top can work as well.

Q: I am visiting the center for an issue that is personal in nature. How should I prepare for my appointment as far as personal hygiene?

A: Many women come into our center for issues such as sexual dysfunction, urinary issues, fecal incontinence or pelvic pain associated with pelvic floor dysfunction and these appointments require undressing from the waist down. Therefore it is most comfortable for the patient to shower or bathe prior to the appointment. Avoid using heavy soaps or lotions that may irritate your skin, though regular hygiene methods are sufficient. We also offer personal disposable cleansing clothes in the restrooms of our office.

Q: The condition that I need to be treated for is personal in nature, and a potentially embarrassing issue for me. How will my treatment be handled?

A: This is why we founded Rhode Island Therapy & Wellness for Women. Our mission is to provide dignified, comfortable treatment – without embarrassment. The center is run by an all-female staff. We offer quiet treatment rooms, without interruption. We understand your needs, and assure our patients that we’ve successfully treated many, many women with personal conditions such as your own. We aren’t embarrassed talking about, treating, and working on issues such as pelvic pain during intercourse, breast cancer issues, and urinary or fecal incontinence… so you shouldn’t be embarrassed either! Together, we will help you to get through your health concerns. We often encounter emotional issues that are sometimes related to these health issues – confidence, self-esteem, and finding comfort with your own body’s functions. We are here to help you, and assure you through the process. We can help you by making recommendations such as finding comfortable positions for intercourse.

Q: I have an incontinence problem, what if I leak during my appointment?

A: We see many patients with continence issues, and leaking is a typical symptom of the condition that we are completely accustomed to dealing with. This is a normal concern, but most times, leakage is not an issue during treatment. We use protective pads under each patient for added comfort. Leaking is actually a part of the treatment and healing process. We need to see what causes your incontinence, so that we can figure out how to fix it. After all, that’s our goal!

Q: I am scheduled for an appointment, but I have my period, what do I do?

A: Patients should always come in during menstruation unless otherwise instructed by their therapist. We understand that having internal work done during menstruation may be uncomfortable for some women, but there are other treatment approaches that can be utilized if necessary. Your therapist can also provide Insteads™, small cups that are inserted into the base of the cervix to collect blood so that we can continue with your pelvic floor work.

Q: Do I need a referral to visit Rhode Island Therapy & Wellness for Women?

A: Under Rhode Island law, a patient may see a physical therapist for 90 days without a physician referral. However, many insurance companies require a physician referral for physical therapy services to be reimbursed. We recommend that every patient see a physician before coming to us and have a written referral.

Q: I am interested in group classes such as yoga, Tai Chi, aqua aerobics, etc. Are these classes open to the public? I don’t have a physician’s referral. Can I still come in for a visit?

A: Sure! You do not need a physician referral for our wellness programs which are open to the public. Please see our services page for more information and class schedules. However, if you have any major medical issues, we may request that you get written permission from your doctor, or we may have you sign a written release of liability.

Q: I feel great after my visit, now what?

A: Rhode Island Therapy & Wellness for Women believes in the approach that living a healthy life, every day, is the key to success. This means that each patient will receive an individualized treatment plan for their care complete with “home work,” that will ensure that our therapy’s benefits will stay with you. We will work to improve your health, even when you are not in our office. Please see our page entitled, “Individualized Treatment Plan” for more information.

Q: What’s up with the bird logo?

A: Many people ask us about the story behind the branding of Rhode Island Therapy & Wellness for Women. Our swan logo, in keeping with our mission statement, represents our patients flying away - independent, graceful, and free from pain and disability.