Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome, is a chronic condition marked by bladder pressure, pelvic pain, urinary urgency, and frequency, without a clear infection or cause. It can feel like a constant need to urinate or a burning, aching sensation in the bladder and pelvic region. Many people with IC feel misunderstood or frustrated by the lack of lasting relief from medications alone.
At Sparq Physical Therapy in Castle Rock, CO, we take a whole-body approach to IC through one-on-one pelvic floor therapy. We focus on calming the nervous system, relaxing overactive muscles, and helping you reconnect with your body, so you can regain a sense of control and comfort.
Affected Area
Interstitial cystitis often involves dysfunction in the bladder, pelvic floor muscles, and nervous system pathways that regulate bladder sensations. It may also impact surrounding structures like the lower abdomen, hips, low back, and reproductive organs, especially when muscle guarding or referred pain is present.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include pelvic or bladder pain, pressure, burning with urination, urinary urgency or frequency (even without a full bladder), pain during sex, and discomfort that worsens with certain foods, stress, or physical activity. Symptoms often fluctuate and may feel similar to a UTI, though no infection is present.
Treatments
Pelvic floor physical therapy is one of the most effective conservative treatments for IC, helping reduce pain and retrain your nervous system’s response to bladder sensations. At Sparq PT, we provide a compassionate and personalized plan that may include:
Internal and external manual therapy to release tension in the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles
Nervous system downtraining through breathwork, mindfulness, and regulation strategies
Bladder retraining techniques to gradually extend the time between voids
Myofascial release for abdominal and pelvic tissues
Education and lifestyle support including posture, diet, and gentle movement strategies
Our goal is to reduce symptom flares, improve your quality of life, and empower you with tools to manage your condition long-term.