What is interstitial cystitis?
Interstitial cystitis (IC), also called painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition that causes bladder pain, pressure, and discomfort, along with frequent and urgent need to urinate. This type of bladder inflammation can lead to pelvic pain that varies from mild to severe. While the exact cause of IC isn’t known, it might be linked to issues with the bladder lining, muscle function, the immune system, genetics, or even an autoimmune disorder.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of interstitial cystitis can differ greatly from person to person but often include:
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Frequent or painful urination
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Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area
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Discomfort during sexual intercourse
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A feeling of pressure or discomfort in the bladder area.
Some women with IC might also feel tired, depressed, or anxious. While there’s no cure for this condition, there are treatments available to help you manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Gabrielle
"Dr. Jasia was so determined in helping me get back to normal life that I walked out of there a whole new person. From this day I can say the pain is gone and has not returned!!!"
How does pelvic floor physical therapy help?
The chronic pain from IC can make the pelvic floor muscles and surrounding areas tight or weak, worsening bladder symptoms and causing issues in other areas like the abdomen and lower back. At Well Women Physical Therapy, we take a holistic approach, understanding that pain in one part of your body can be connected to dysfunction elsewhere, such as how pain in your left shoulder might relate to your right hip. Our assessments and treatments focus on your overall movement and function, not just individual parts.
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy at Well Women Physical Therapy is all about understanding and caring for your entire body. It involves a complete assessment of your body and uses hands-on techniques, therapeutic exercises, breathing methods, pain neuroscience education, lifestyle advice, and basic nutrition tips to tackle issues in your abdomen, back, hips, and pelvic area. This therapy can be a game-changer for women, helping to relieve pain, improve bowel and bladder function, boost overall pelvic stability, and empower you with self-care techniques. Ultimately, it’s about improving your quality of life so you can move and function daily without pain.
Research shows that using a combination of treatments, like Dry Needling with electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve (PTNS or Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation), along with therapeutic ultrasound on the lower abdomen, can significantly ease symptoms. While this isn’t a permanent fix, it does offer relief during and after treatment sessions, helping women better tolerate physical therapy and stick to her crucial home exercise programs to achieve her therapy goals.
Want to know more about PTNS? Check out our blog post!