Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC), also called painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition that causes bladder pain, pressure, and urinary discomfort. It can feel frustrating and isolating, while also impacting your daily activities and quality of life. At Beyond Basics, we specialize in physical therapy for interstitial cystitis to help you manage symptoms, reduce pain, and regain control over your life.
Symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis
- Pain or discomfort while the bladder fills and relief after urinating
- Persistent pressure, tenderness, or pain in the pelvic area
- Frequent urination, often in small amounts
- A constant urge to urinate, even when the bladder is empty
- Discomfort or pain during sexual activity
What Causes Interstitial Cystitis?
- Hunner’s lesions: Distinctive inflammatory lesions of the bladder lining which can be diagnosed by cystoscopy
- Pelvic floor dysfunction: Tight or weak pelvic floor muscles can contribute to bladder pain and urinary symptoms
- Bladder lining damage: Irritation or damage to the bladder’s protective lining may make it more sensitive to substances in urine
- Nerve sensitization: Overactive or damaged nerves around the bladder may increase sensations of pain or urgency
- Chronic inflammation: Long-term inflammation in the bladder can worsen discomfort and symptoms
- Other contributing factors: Stress, infections, or autoimmune conditions may play a role in triggering IC
How Physical Therapy Can Help
- Bladder retraining: Techniques to help manage urinary frequency and urgency through controlled timing and behavioral changes
- Manual therapy: Hands-on methods to release tension and improve mobility in the pelvic region
- Therapeutic exercises: Exercises to relax or strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, reducing bladder pain and urinary urgency
- Lifestyle modifications: Guidance on diet, posture, and stress management to minimize flare-ups and promote lasting comfort
- Supportive care: A personalized, compassionate plan tailored to your unique needs and challenges
What to Expect During Your Sessions
During Your Initial Appointment
During Your Additional Appointments
Client Testimonials
Beyond Basics: We Can Help
Since 2003, Beyond Basics has been a place of hope and healing for our patients. We believe skilled and compassionate healing can restore your body’s harmony and balance. Founder, Amy Stein, and co-founder, Corey Hazama are renowned experts and leaders in pelvic floor PT.
The skilled physical therapists at Beyond Basics receive extensive training to qualify them to be the world’s leaders in pelvic floor rehabilitation. All of our therapists have been carefully selected to work at Beyond Basics because they possess the right expertise, kindness, and empathy to allow them to excel at our practice. Our therapists have completed hundreds of additional hours outside of their doctorates both internally and externally through institutes such as Herman and Wallace and the American Physical Therapy Association, to help hone their practice and provide exceptional treatment efficiently and compassionately. In addition to being the world’s first and foremost experts in pelvic floor dysfunction, our individual therapists have cultivated additional skills unique to their own personal interests. Read more about each one of our therapists here.
Get help now from a pelvic floor therapist.
Interstitial Cystitis
— Beyond Basics PT | Pelvic Floor Therapy NYC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is interstitial cystitis aka bladder pain syndrome?
Interstitial cystitis aka bladder pain syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by persistent bladder pain, pressure, and urinary symptoms that are not caused by an infection.
