Pelvic floor physical therapy for interstitial cystitis

There are many different treatments that doctors recommend for patients with IC/PBS. Only a few research studies have been done to evaluate treatments given to patients. Treatment choices can be of two types: drug therapy and non-drug therapy. The two treatments used in this study will be of the non-drug therapy type. One of the treatments being used in this study is called Myofascial Tissue Manipulation. This is a kind of physical therapy that is designed to work on specific muscles and tissue layers in a particular part of the body. In this study, this treatment will focus on the areas around the pelvis and the pelvic floor. The treatment will involve the physical therapist's use of hands and fingers to target specific muscles and tissues located within your pelvis, rectum, and/or vagina (the pelvic floor) as well as muscles and layers of tissue in your abdomen and legs. The other treatment being used in this study is Global Therapeutic Massage. This treatment involves the physical therapist's use of classic Western body massage techniques on the muscles of your arms, legs, hands, neck, shoulders, back, stomach, buttocks, and feet to create an overall feeling of well being.

The purpose of this research study is to find out if Pelvic Physical Therapy is safe and effective on treating symptoms in women with interstitial cystitis as compared to a full body therapeutic massage. This study will also measure the lasting effects of the treatment up to 3 months after your last study treatment.

Can pelvic floor PT help with interstitial cystitis?

Pelvic floor physical therapy is among the most-studied and most-proven treatments for interstitial cystitis—in fact, it's suggested as a first-line medical treatment by the American Urological Association, and is the only treatment given an evidence grade of “A.”

Can PT help interstitial cystitis?

Many people with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and their physicians are turning to physical therapy to help ease IC/BPS symptoms and pain. This kind of therapy is especially helpful if you have pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).

How do I relax my pelvic floor for IC?

The pelvic floor muscle relaxation exercises involve relaxing the entire pelvic floor by lying down on a flat surface and spreading the legs wide apart..
Choose a comfortable moderately cushioned surface to lie down..
Spread your legs apart so that there is a gap of at least one feet between the two..

Can tight pelvic floor muscles cause IC?

Pelvic floor dysfunction plays significant role in pelvic pain and IC.