Interstitial Cystitis (IC) / Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS)

What is Interstitial Cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder condition characterized by pain, pressure, or discomfort related to bladder filling, often without infection. Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) does not look the same for everyone. Some people have symptoms that are primarily related to the bladder, while others have significant pelvic floor involvement or symptoms that extend beyond the pelvis. The American Urological Association (AUA) recognizes different clinical phenotypes, or patterns of symptoms, that can help guide a more personalized approach to treatment. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all plan, understanding which factors may be contributing to your symptoms can help determine where to focus care.

Bladder-Centric Presentation
For some people, symptoms are more closely related to the bladder itself. This may include bladder wall changes, Hunner’s lesions (areas of inflammation on the bladder lining), reduced bladder capacity, or pain that improves with bladder-directed treatments.

Pelvic Floor Presentation
The pelvic floor muscles can become tight, tender, or overactive in response to ongoing bladder pain. This can contribute to pelvic pressure, urinary urgency and frequency, painful intercourse, difficulty emptying the bladder, and pain with sitting or movement. When pelvic floor dysfunction is part of the picture, addressing muscle tension and coordination can be an important part of treatment.

Systemic or Widespread Presentation
For others, bladder symptoms occur alongside pain or sensitivity in other areas of the body. This may overlap with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, or chronic fatigue, as well as increased nervous system sensitivity. Stress and other psychosocial factors can also influence how symptoms are experienced and managed.

The important takeaway: IC/BPS is not one single condition with one single treatment. Your symptoms may fit primarily into one pattern, or you may have features of several. At Floor Friendly, we look at the whole picture to help identify the factors contributing to your symptoms and create an individualized plan for care.

Adapted from the American Urological Association Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (2022).

In Our Sessions We May Work On:

✓ Pelvic floor muscle relaxation and coordination
Reducing muscle guarding that contributes to urgency, pain, and painful intercourse.

✓ Myofascial release & manual therapy
Addressing abdominal, pelvic, hip, and connective tissue restrictions that contribute to bladder pressure.

✓ Nervous system regulation
Chronic bladder pain often involves central sensitization. We incorporate breathwork and down-training techniques to reduce nervous system overactivation.

✓ Hip & core strength
Improving pelvic stability to reduce strain on the bladder and surrounding tissues.

✓ Bladder retraining strategies
Helping reduce urgency and frequency patterns in a gradual, supportive way.

✓ Post-procedure support (if applicable)
Optimizing recovery after cystoscopy, hydrodistention, or other interventions.

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 FAQs

  • Your first visit will include a thorough conversation about your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and goals. We'll do a full-body assessment, including posture, breathing, and movement patterns. If appropriate and with your consent, we may also assess your pelvic floor. From there, we’ll begin building a personalized treatment plan.

  • Yes, when appropriate and with full consent. Internal exams can be a helpful tool for understanding pelvic floor function and potential causes of dysfunction. If together we decide on an internal exam, just pants and underwear need to come off! Ps. Yes, you can be on your period for them!

  • Wear something comfortable that allows you to move freely.

  • Yes, as an out-of-network provider I will provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance.

  • Every body is different. Some clients feel better after just a few visits, while others benefit from ongoing support. We’ll create a plan that fits your goals, timeline, and lifestyle—and I’ll be honest with you every step of the way.