Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC) or bladder pain syndrome is a common, yet often unrecognized cause of chronic pelvic pain (CPP). CPP is defined as non-cyclical pelvic pain for at least 6 months. The bladder is one of the most sensitive organs in the pelvis and one of the most common sources of pain in patients with CPP. 


Symptoms often include:

  • Urinary urgency, frequency, hesitancy, stopping and starting, or incomplete emptying

  • Painful to pee

  • Swelling of the lower abdominal area

  • Constipation, straining, or pain with bowel movements

  • Pain in the lower back, pelvic region, lower abdomen, or rectum

  • Pain during or after sex or orgasm

How can pelvic floor physical therapy help?

It has been found that 87% of patients with IC have pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. In other words, this means that there is a muscular component to your pain symptoms. In patients who have IC or other pelvic pain conditions, the pelvic floor muscles may be tight or in spasm, have a combination of tightness and weakness, or have myofascial trigger points or “knots”. Frequently, these muscles are tensing up due to internal and external stress factors.

I have found that the most important step, is first achieving a mind/body connection within yourself. We will work on safe movement, regulating the nervous system, and pain reprocessing. The body and mind must be treated as a whole. 🧡 This way, you are creating your own healing system.

The initial education and guidance I give all my pelvic floor patients- no matter the diagnosis, Is outlined in the mini-course below. Give it a try and let me know how you feel!

 

With compassion and understanding, you CAN get started on your healing journey. I am here to answer any questions about how pelvic floor physical therapy or my online programs can help guide you.

 
 

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(^1)  Zondervan KT, Yudkin PL, Vessey MP, et al. Patterns of diagnosis and referral in women consulting for chronic pelvic pain in UK primary care. British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology. 1999;106(11):1156-61.

(^2) Parsons CL, Dell J, Stanford EJ, et al. The prevalence of interstitial cystitis in gynecologic patients with pelvic pain, as detected by intravesical potassium sensitivity. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology. 2002;187(5):1395-400.

(^3) Tu, Frank F., et al. "Physical therapy evaluation of patients with chronic pelvic pain: a controlled study." American journal of obstetrics and gynecology 198.3 (2008): 272-e1.