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Pelvic Physical Therapy for Interstitial cystitis

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help Relieve Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Pain Syndrome

Are you tired of needing to urinate all the time?

Getting diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) can sometimes feel like a long, winding road—often taking years after symptoms first appear. That’s because IC is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means healthcare providers rule out other potential causes—like UTIs, STDs, or even bladder cancer—before landing on IC. It can be frustrating to wait so long for answers, but the good news is there’s hope, and there are effective ways to manage your symptoms.

IC can take a toll on everyday life:

  • Feeling like you can’t leave the house because you constantly need to pee.

  • Struggling to concentrate or perform at work.

  • Starting a restrictive diet because it feels like everything triggers a flare.

Here’s the thing: you don’t have to navigate IC alone. Seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist at The Pelvic Model could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. Conveniently located for those in Highland Park, Northeast Los Angeles, Pasadena, and nearby areas, we’re here to help. We’ve worked with many people managing IC or Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), and we’ve helped them find real relief. We’re confident we can do the same for you, too.

Ready to take the first step? Click here to request an appointment and let’s get started.

What is Interstitial Cystitis (IC) / Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS)?

According to the American Urological Association (AUA), IC/BPS is “An unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than six weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes.” 

To diagnose IC/BPS, these are taken into consideration (from AUA):

  1. The basic assessment should include a careful history, physical examination, and laboratory examination to document symptoms and signs that characterize IC/BPS and exclude other disorders that could be the cause of the patient’s symptoms. (Clinical Principle)

  2. Baseline voiding symptoms and pain levels should be obtained in order to measure subsequent treatment effects. (Clinical Principle)

  3. Cystoscopy and/or urodynamics should be considered when the diagnosis is in doubt; these tests are not necessary for making the diagnosis in uncomplicated presentations. (Expert Opinion)

  4. Cystoscopy should be performed in patients in whom Hunner lesions are suspected. (Expert Opinion)

It is important to note that the word “perceived” is in the description of IC/BPS because the pelvic floor can be the primary driver or IC/BPS symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of IC/BPS:

  • Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, and/or inner thighs

  • Feeling of urethral burning

  • Pelvic pain that can be exacerbated by bladder filling

  • Associated with urinary urgency and frequency

  • May be accompanied by low back pain, pain with intercourse, and waking up often at night to urinate

How does Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy help?

AUA’s guidelines state that physical therapy has grade A evidence for IC/BPS treatment, meaning that it is a highly proven medical treatment for this. Further, physical therapy is the only medical management strategy that has this level of evidence. Physical therapy is considered as a conservative treatment to be administered before treatments such as Elmiron and bladder instillations.

The pelvic floor contains muscles and nerves that can contribute to bladder symptoms and bladder and pelvic pain. According to Dr. Kenneth Peters, IC/BPS is a term that has been used in recent years to describe those who are experiencing bladder symptoms and pain but have no true bladder pathology.

Further, pelvic physical therapists are well versed in other IC/BPS treatments. This can include education on pain management and pain science, self care and behavioral modification, and general stress management and relaxation techniques. Alongside these first line treatment techniques, pelvic physical therapists can help guide you in conjunction with your interdisciplinary team (i.e. other healthcare providers needed in treating you). Because everyone is different, it’s great to have a knowledgeable provider like a pelvic PT on your team to help guide you through your options.

Get Started On An IC/BPS Plan Today

Interstitial cystitis and bladder pain syndrome can seem like it is taking over your life. However, Pelvic Model understands the intricacies that go into your discomfort, and we are here to help rid you of your bladder symptoms. To schedule an appointment with us, please call us at (323) 403-0234 or click here.