Comprehensive Interstitial Cystitis Treatment for Lasting Relief
Interstitial cystitis (in-ter-stish-uhl sÄ-stÄ«’tÄs)/bladder pain syndrome, or as we call it, IC/BPS, is a bladder condition that usually consists of multiple symptoms. Most IC/BPS patients have recurring pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort in the bladder and pelvic region, urinary frequency (needing to go often), and urgency (feeling a strong need to go). IC may also be referred to as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), bladder pain syndrome (BPS), and chronic pelvic pain.​​
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Currently, there are two recognized subtypes of IC/BPS - non-ulcerative and ulcerative.
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Non-ulcerative: 90% of IC/BPS patients have the non-ulcerative form of IC/BPS. Non-ulcerative IC/BPS presents with pinpoint hemorrhages, also known as glomerulations, in the bladder wall. However, these are not specific for IC/BPS, and any bladder inflammation can give that appearance.
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Ulcerative: 5 to 10% of IC/BPS patients have the ulcerative form of IC/BPS. These patients usually have Hunner’s ulcers or patches, which are red, bleeding areas on the bladder wall.
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It is important to note that not everyone with IC has Hunners lesions (distinct inflammatory areas on the bladder wall that are associated with a subtype of interstitial cystitis (IC)). Only about 20 % of IC patients have these lesions.
Because IC/BPS symptoms are similar to those of other disorders of the bladder and there is no definitive test to identify IC/BPS, doctors must rule out other treatable conditions before considering a diagnosis of IC/BPS. The most common of these diseases in both sexes are urinary tract cancer and bladder cancer. In men, common diseases include chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. IC/BPS is not associated with any increased risk of developing cancer.
The diagnosis of IC/BPS is based on the
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presence of pain related to the bladder, usually accompanied by frequency and urgency
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absence of other diseases that could cause the symptoms
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Pelvic floor physical therapy has proven to have the most promising outcome for the symptom relief of IC. Physical therapy can help by releasing tight muscles, improving blood flow, and calming the nerves around the bladder and pelvis. Through gentle manual therapy, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques, we'll work to reduce your pain, urgency, and frequency.
We will also help you understand how posture, movement, and daily habits affect your symptoms. With education, tailored exercises, and lifestyle guidance, pelvic floor physical therapy can make a real difference in your life. ​​​​
Unsure if pelvic physical therapy is the right choice for you?
​No worries! It is 100% normal to have questions and feel a level of uncertainty when exploring new treatment options. That's why we are offering all patients a free, 20-minute discovery call to address any concerns and answer any questions you may have. You should not and do not have to learn to live with your pain! To schedule a call with us, simply click the button below.
Dr. Bhavti Soni
Founder & CEO, Pelvic Health Specialist
Dr. Soni is a pelvic health expert and has been practicing pelvic physical therapy for 12 years and has been a PT for 15 years. She has extensive education in pelvic health and has been part of expert panels, global conferences, and pelvic health courses where she teaches other Pelvic PTs. She worked in New York City with leading pelvic pain specialists for 4 years before moving to NJ in 2018 to raise a family and start her own premier Pelvic PT practice. She lives with her husband and 3-year-old son.
