What is Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome?
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the deep and muscular layers of the bladder that causes bladder frequency, bladder urgency and/or bladder pain.
Most people mistake the symptoms as a urinary tract infection, however urine tests do not reveal infection. Most patients have been suffering from this condition for several months to years before being properly diagnosed. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, you are NOT alone. It has been suggested that up to 12% of women in the US may be affected by symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome.
Although more prevalent in women, IC/PBS can affect both men and women. It can be extremely debilitating. The symptoms of IC/PBS can range from mild to severe and often coincide with pelvic floor tension and muscle spasms. Although presentation can vary greatly among people there are often common symptoms.
Common Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome symptoms include:
- *Urinating often more than 1x every 2-3 hours
- *Running to the bathroom with urge to urinate
- *Bladder or lower abdominal pressure/pain
- *Pain at the urethra (urinary outlet)
- *Pain with urination
Physical Therapy can help Relieve Symptoms
If there is inflammation in the bladder for an extended period, over time this inflammation can affect the surrounding musculature and fascial tissue. The inflammation in the fascia and muscles creates symptoms that appear to be coming from the bladder.
Physical therapy can help by releasing constrictions in the fascia and deactivating trigger points in the muscles of the abdomen, pelvis, hip and pelvic floor. Releasing and rebalancing the tissue and muscles can bring relief to the symptoms of Painful Bladder Syndrome.
