Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis (IC)

Pain experienced with the bladder filling, urinary urgency, frequency and burning are typical symptoms associated with Painful Bladder Syndrome also known as Interstitial Cystitis (IC). Some patients with IC report pain associated with intercourse, pain in the lower back, pelvis, or saddle region. IC is a common cause of chronic pelvic pain.

Pelvic Health Physical Therapy should be considered in most patients with IC as pelvic floor dysfunction is a common finding in these patients1. The pelvic floor muscles may be weak or excessively tight. Patients may also experience referred pain from the lower back, saddle region or lower abdomen.

Pelvic Health Physical Therapists can help ease the symptoms of IC successfully using manual techniques, education on posture, effects of diet on the bladder and urinary and bowel habits. Teaching you how to find and relax your pelvic floor among other tools are part of the comprehensive pelvic floor rehabilitation program at Trinity Pelvic Health.

* Huffman, E., Miranda, MD MEd, Slack, Aniesa, MD Hoke, Maris. Bladder Pain Syndrome. Prim Care Clin Office Pract. 2019 Jun; 46(2):213-221.