What is interstitial cystitis (IC)?

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is also commonly referred to as bladder pain syndrome or painful bladder syndrome. It typically presents with the following symptoms:
  • Suprapubic pain (or pain located above the pubic bone)
  • Frequency of urination (frequent emptying to avoid pain)
  • Urinary urgency with pain as the bladder fills
  • Nocturia (nighttime voiding)
  • Incomplete emptying of urine
  • Urine hesitancy/slow stream
  • Low back, abdominal and pelvic girdle pain

How can pelvic floor PT help with managing symptoms of interstitial cystitis?

Pelvic floor therapy aims to reduce muscle tension and tightness in the abdomen, hips, lower back and pelvic floor that could be causing or worsening your symptoms.  Pelvic floor therapy for IC should not include kegels (repetitive pelvic floor contractions) as this creates more tension in the pelvic floor and will make symptoms worse.

​Pelvic floor therapists provide hand-on manual treatments, individualized exercises and discuss ​lifestyle modifications in order to reduce flares and allow you to improve your activity level, with little to no symptoms.
"I was devastated when the doctors only solution was to take a medicine every day at 29 years old! I’m so glad I did my own research and found Vivid. Even after my first two sessions, I already am feeling relief from my symptoms. "

What is the Vivid difference?

At Vivid, our therapists have taken advanced coursework in  PT management of Interstial Cystitis with Dr. Nicole Cozean PT, DPT, WCS and author of The Interstitial Cystitis Solution.
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At Vivid, your therapist will:
  • Find the root cause of your symptoms.
  • Address how your pelvic floor is functioning with your whole body; it isn't just Kegels.
  • Treat your for one-hour with hands on treatments.
  • Be with you one-on-one for the entire session; no aides or techs.​​​
  • Treat you with compassion in a private, stress free environment.

Would like to know more about how Vivid can help you?