equilibria physiotherapy & nutrition: Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial Cystitis and Painful Bladder Syndrome involve severe pain that is partially relieved after emptying the bladder. Often, there is frequency (the need to go to the toilet a lot) and urgency (difficulty getting there in time). IC and PBS are poorly understood, and medical treatment for them is often inadequate. Some research suggests that IC is an autoimmune disorder. Whatever the case, IC and PBS always involve inflammation. Addressing tightness of muscles of the pelvis and the pelvic floor helps with symptoms. Many women with interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome have food sensitivities, so a combination of physiotherapy and nutrition medicine is a powerful approach.

"I actually was referred to Alyssa for pelvic floor and incontinence issues. However I had a lot of other functionally-impacting health issues that medical doctors would not recognise as significant. Fatigue, muscular and joint pain, poor sleep, gastrointestinal problems (IBS), constant headaches, moodiness and irritability, menstrual problems, reflux etc. You name it, I probably was suffering from it. I was at an incredibly low point emotionally as a result of years and years of suffering that was not being acknowledged by any doctors, and I had seen many. I remember my first appointment with Alyssa and I cried and cried telling her about everything that was wrong with me and how hard life was. I remember she said straight-up that she thought I had food allergies/sensitivities. It took a number of weeks and, ironically, a serious food reaction (which I do not recall ever having before) for me to realise she may be right. Sure enough, one blood test later, and a radical change in diet, here I am six months down the track with hardly any body pain, 5 kilos lighter, much much more energy, no bowel and digestive problems after eating (so long as I take my enzymes!), a much more settled menstrual cycle, some small improvements in my bladder function, no reflux, and I actually get rested when I sleep. I still have a ways to go and there is definitely more improvement that can be made but I am better prepared to make the changes necessary and emotionally I am a much stronger person." (Ms L, age 29)

"I began seeing Alyssa after having my second child. Two pregnancies close together resulted in a separation of my rectus-abdominus muscle of 14cm. I have been working on closing this separation and at the same time, improving the muscle tone in the pelvic floor that has been badly affected by the pregnancies and deliveries. The journey has been difficult - two steps forward, one step back – but after 11 months I have the abdomen gap down to a couple of centimetres and the pelvic floor is getting better. As a (previously) very active sportsperson, being unable to exercise to the same level and capacity has been incredibly frustrating and, at times, depressing. I can now, however, walk with small runs included, ride, and have started a yoga/pilates/tai chi class weekly. I am currently undertaking a 12-week strengthening routine at home – which is incredibly challenging with two young boys around (mum lying down means wrestling time, apparently!). I am confident that with Alyssa’s help, I will be back playing competitive sport soon (well, next year anyway). "(Ms T, age 32)

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Interstitial Cystitis

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