Your Safe and Supportive Space for Healing
Pelvic Therapy for Interstitial Cystitis in Highland Park, Los Angeles
Getting diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis (IC), also known as Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS), can sometimes feel like a long, winding road that often takes years after symptoms first appear. That’s because IC is a diagnosis of exclusion. This means healthcare providers rule out other potential causes like UTIs, STDs, or even bladder cancer before landing on IC. It can be frustrating to wait so long for answers, but the good news is there’s hope, and there are effective ways to manage your symptoms.
IC can take a toll on everyday life:
Feeling like you can’t leave the house because you constantly need to pee.
Struggling to concentrate or perform at work.
Starting a restrictive diet because it feels like everything triggers a flare.
At The Pelvic Model in Highland Park, Los Angeles, our pelvic floor therapists work alongside people living with interstitial cystitis to create strategies to reduce urinary urge and ease bladder pain. We’ve seen how individualized care can make a meaningful difference, and we’re here to provide that support for people across Northeast Los Angeles, Pasadena, and surrounding communities.
According to the American Urological Association (AUA), IC/BPS is “An unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than six weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes.”
What is Interstitial Cystitis (IC) / Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS)?
Common Symptoms of IC/BPS:
Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, and/or inner thighs
Pain can include the urethra and the genital region
Pain may be present in the lower abdomen and back
Pelvic pain that can be exacerbated by bladder filling
Associated with urinary urgency and frequency
May be accompanied by pain with intercourse, and waking up often at night to urinate
Interstitial cystitis is not an infection. Although it may feel like a UTI, urine cultures are usually negative.
Symptoms are not explained by another condition. IC is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning how IC is diagnosed is ruling out other possible causes such as UTIs, gynecologic issues, STIs, etc.
What Makes IC Different:
Why Pelvic Therapy for Interstitial Cystitis Matters:
We know that without treatment IC can cause disrupting symptoms like:
Disruption of sleep and daily routines
Increased pelvic tension and pain
Affects intimacy and sexual health
Create stress and anxiety.
In AUA’s most recent guidelines, it states that physical therapy has grade A evidence for IC/BPS, meaning that it is a highly proven medical treatment. Further, our pelvic therapists take a whole-body and evidence based approach for IC, including:
Pelvic therapy: to reduce muscle tension and urge signals
Breathing and nervous system work: to calm bladder sensitivity
Bladder retraining strategies: to extend time between bathroom trips
Management tools for flares: lifestyle and self-care straties you can use at home
Who we serve:
We are located in Highland Park, making us easily accessible to people experiencing IC across Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Pasadena, Glendale, and Northeast Los Angeles. Whether symptoms are new or long-standing, our goal is to support your healing and help you feel in control again.
Interstitial Cystitis FAQs for The Pelvic Model
What is Interstitial Cystitis? Is it different from a UTI?
Interstitial cystitis is an uncomfortable sensation, like pain or pressure, that is perceived to be stemming from the bladder. It’s associated with symptoms like urinary urge and frequency, discomfort with urination, pain insurrounding areas like the abdomen and low back, or even pain associate with intercourse. Unline a UTI, Interstitial Cystitis will yield negative results from urine cultures.
How does pelvic therapy at The Pelvic Model help with IC symptoms?
Pelvic therapy has grade A evidence for treating Interstitial Cystitis, and it is highly effective when administered by skilled pelvic therapists. Here at The Pelvic Model, we are thoroughly trained in myofascial techniques, orthopedic techniques, and techniques specifically for the pelvis to alleviate discomfort. We take on a whole-body and evidence based approach to get to the root of your pain. We understand adjunct modalities like nutrition, nervous system management, and bladder retraining for optimal success in treatment as well. The Pelvic Model has seen IC countless times, and you’re in excellent hands with our care.
I feel embarrassed about talking about bladder and pelvic issues. Is this process comfortable?
It’s very common to feel uneasy or even embarrassed when talking about pelvic symptoms. We understand the pelvis is a sensitive, personal area, and we approach it with care. At The Pelvic Model, every session is one-on-one and a full hour long, giving us the time to truly listen to your story without rushing. Our clinicians are highly trained to discuss and assess these concerns thoughtfully, always prioritizing your comfort and pace.
Can therapy help if I’ve had IC for years?
We know how discouraging it can feel to live with symptoms for years without lasting relief. Many people come to us with pelvic conditions like IC after trying multiple approaches that haven’t worked. At The Pelvic Model, we take time to hear your full story, complete a thorough assessment, and create a personalized plan forward. Even if your symptoms have been present for a long time, there are still ways to find meaningful improvement, and we’re here to help you get there.
How do I start?
Feel free to give us a call at (323) 403-0234 or fill out our contact form. We’ll make sure to reach out promptly and answer any questions you may have.