Interstitial Cystitis/ Painful Bladder Syndrome

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) is a condition that is characterized by pelvic pain and urinary symptoms. Most people mistaken the symptoms as a urinary tract infection yet all tests are negative.  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 estimated that more than 10 million U.S. citizens may be affected by this condition. Although more prevalent in women, IC/PBS can affect both men and women and can be extremely debilitating.  

Presentation can be variable among people however symptoms can include:

• Urinary frequency
• Urinary urgency
• Bladder pressure
• Bladder/ Urethral pain

IC/ PBS is poorly understood however more and more research is being performed in this area. Patients with a possible diagnosis of IC/ PBS may have a diagnostic procedure performed called a cystoscopy. A cystoscopy allows a physician to examine the bladder for any signs of bladder wall inflammation, which may help determine a course of treatment. However many people also have a negative cystoscopy yet still suffer from severe bladder symptoms. Therefore diagnosis of IC/PBS is usually based on patient’s symptoms versus positive cystoscopy findings. Until recently, the typical course of treatment was medication and dietary changes. However recent research has shown that physical therapy can help many patients suffering from IC/PBS. You may be asking, “How can physical therapy help?” Physical therapists, specializing in pelvic floor pain and dysfunction, can evaluate many different aspects of the musculoskeletal system that may be contributing to bladder pain. Believe it or not your dysfunctional joints, muscles as well as the surrounding fascia can irritate the bladder and even mimic bladder pain that can make symptoms feel even worse. Balancing out the musculoskeletal problems can significantly help symptoms and help you function again.  

Additional informtion on this condition can be found:

http://www.ic-network.com/