The Facts
Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome affects millions of people in the United States. To diagnose this condition, medical professionals rule out other causes of symptoms, such as infections. Only a small percentage of patients with IC/PBS have specific bladder lesions called Hunner’s Lesions, which are detected through cystoscopy. Most patients experience symptoms from other underlying causes like pelvic floor dysfunction, hormonal deficiencies, or central nervous system dysregulation. For the majority of individuals, the diagnosis is based solely on reported symptoms.
Symptoms
- Urinary urgency, frequency, and pain in the absence of infection
- Lower abdominal pressure
- Pain upon bladder filling or emptying
- Painful sex
- Painful orgasm
- Generalized pelvic pain
- Nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
Symptoms
- Urinary urgency, frequency, and pain in the absence of infection
- Lower abdominal pressure
- Pain upon bladder filling or emptying
- Painful sex
- Painful orgasm
- Generalized pelvic pain
- Nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
Many individuals discover their symptoms only when they come across our website, blog, or social media. Some have a diagnosis but lack a local pelvic floor physical therapist. Others may already have a therapist but feel stuck or are not improving. Some seek opinions from other trusted experts, and in uncertain times, some prefer not to leave their homes. Whatever your needs, we’re here and ready to assist!
Our team members specializing in pelvic floor disorders offer a range of expertise. Whether you prefer in-person or virtual appointments, we are ready to assist you. Please be aware that virtual visits require advance payment and are non-refundable.
Associated Diagnoses
IC/PBS, a chronic overlapping pain condition (COPC), commonly coexists with other conditions such as Vulvodynia, Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia, TMJ, and migraines. Fortunately, pelvic floor physical therapy offers effective relief for all these conditions by addressing pelvic floor dysfunction.
Causes of IC/PBS
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Hormonal deficiencies
- Central Nervous Dysfunction
- Repetitive Urinary Tract Infections
- Orthopedic injuries/trauma
- Surgical trauma
- Endometriosis
- GI dysregulation
Causes of IC/PBS
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Hormonal deficiencies
- Central Nervous Dysfunction
- Repetitive Urinary Tract Infections
- Orthopedic injuries/trauma
- Surgical trauma
- Endometriosis
- GI dysregulation
Diagnostic Challenges
IC/PBS and its subtypes are well-understood by many experts. It is important to note that IC/PBS is not a bladder disease, but rather a syndrome that can be effectively managed through interdisciplinary care. However, it is concerning that most urologists in the US have not received proper training in pelvic pain syndromes like IC/PBS, leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. To address this issue, the American Urologic Association has recently updated their guidelines in 2022, recommending manual pelvic floor physical therapy for individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for IC/PBS.
Diagnostic Challenges
IC/PBS and its subtypes are well-understood by many experts. It is important to note that IC/PBS is not a bladder disease, but rather a syndrome that can be effectively managed through interdisciplinary care. However, it is concerning that most urologists in the US have not received proper training in pelvic pain syndromes like IC/PBS, leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. To address this issue, the American Urologic Association has recently updated their guidelines in 2022, recommending manual pelvic floor physical therapy for individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for IC/PBS.
Treatment:
How we can help you
If you’re experiencing sexual function issues, it’s important to see a therapist for pelvic floor therapy. Before coming in, you can always take advantage of Telehealth through technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access healthcare services remotely and manage your health care. This approach allows patients to receive care and consultation from the comfort of their homes. After a virtual consultation, you can then follow whatever the health professional suggests. When you are advised to go to a clinic, they will evaluate your pelvic floor to determine if it’s contributing to your symptoms. The physical therapist will discuss your medical history, previous diagnoses, and treatments you’ve tried, as well as their effectiveness. We understand what you’re going through and many people come to us feeling frustrated.
Our physical therapist will thoroughly evaluate your nerves, muscles, joints, tissues, and movement patterns during the examination. Once the assessment is complete, the therapist will discuss the results with you. Through this evaluation, we aim to diagnose the source of your symptoms and establish both short-term and long-term therapy goals. Typically, physical therapy treatments occur once or twice a week for about 12 weeks. Your therapist will work with other members of your treatment team to ensure a coordinated recovery plan. They will provide you with exercises to do at home and guide you through in-person sessions. Our goal is to help you improve and live your best life.
For more information about IC/PBS please check out our IC/PBS Resource List.
Treatment:
How We Can Help You
If you’re experiencing sexual function issues, it’s important to see a therapist for pelvic floor therapy. Before coming in, you can always take advantage of Telehealth through technologies, such as computers and mobile devices, to access healthcare services remotely and manage your health care. This approach allows patients to receive care and consultation from the comfort of their homes. After a virtual consultation, you can then follow whatever the health professional suggests. When you are advised to go to a clinic, they will evaluate your pelvic floor to determine if it’s contributing to your symptoms. The physical therapist will discuss your medical history, previous diagnoses, and treatments you’ve tried, as well as their effectiveness. We understand what you’re going through and many people come to us feeling frustrated.
Our physical therapist will thoroughly evaluate your nerves, muscles, joints, tissues, and movement patterns during the examination. Once the assessment is complete, the therapist will discuss the results with you. Through this evaluation, we aim to diagnose the source of your symptoms and establish both short-term and long-term therapy goals. Typically, physical therapy treatments occur once or twice a week for about 12 weeks. Your therapist will work with other members of your treatment team to ensure a coordinated recovery plan. They will provide you with exercises to do at home and guide you through in-person sessions. Our goal is to help you improve and live your best life.
For more information about IC/PBS please check out our IC/PBS Resource List.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Interstitial Cystitis (IC)?
Is a cystoscopy needed to diagnose IC?
What are common symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis?
What are recommended treatments for people with IC?
How common is it for people with IC to also have pelvic floor dysfunction?
How common is it for people with IC to have vulvodynia?
Are there exercises that can make IC symptoms worse?
Are there exercises that can make IC symptoms better?
What are different causes of IC?
Do all physical therapists know how to treat IC?
What does a PT evaluation for IC entail?
How many physical therapy visits does it typically take for people with IC to feel better?
Why didn’t my doctor tell me about pelvic floor physical therapy?
Can menopause cause IC?
Can birth control pills cause IC?
What are IC subtypes?
Less than 10% of people with IC symptoms have Hunner’s Ulcers, which are lesions on the bladder lining. Another group experiences pelvic-floor related issues as the cause of their pain. A third group reports more widespread body pain, with some symptoms occurring outside of the bladder.
To determine if pelvic floor dysfunction is contributing to their symptoms, individuals are advised to undergo a pelvic floor physical therapy evaluation. If pelvic floor dysfunction is identified, the AUA recommends including manual pelvic floor physical therapy in the treatment plan.