Women’s Health
Bladder pain and pressure, and needing to go again and again, but the tests keep coming back clear. Tight pelvic floor muscles are often part of the picture, and they can be treated.
Yes, pelvic floor physical therapy can help interstitial cystitis and bladder pain. Many women with interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome) have tight, tender pelvic floor muscles. Urology guidelines recommend gentle hands-on pelvic floor therapy to relax them, rather than strengthening exercises like Kegels. At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, pelvic floor therapy is for women, always one-on-one.
Interstitial cystitis, also called bladder pain syndrome, is long-lasting bladder pain or pressure with frequent urges, without an infection. The cause isn't fully understood, and it often involves a sensitive bladder and pelvic floor muscles that are tight and overactive, which can add to pain and urgency.
The goal is to help the pelvic floor relax and lengthen, not tighten further. Treatment can include gentle hands-on techniques, breathing and relaxation training, bladder habit strategies and help with flares, alongside your doctor's care. Everything is explained first and done at your pace, with your consent. See also pelvic pain and painful sex.
Your first visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. We talk through your symptoms, triggers and history, and explain any assessment before we do it. You decide what you're comfortable with.
Gentle hands-on care to release tight, tender muscles, breathing and relaxation training, and movement that doesn't aggravate symptoms.
Bladder habit strategies, a plan for flares, and a home program, coordinated with your doctor's treatment.
See a doctor promptly if you have:
Care at ARI is always one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist at our Bakersfield clinic: 8200 Stockdale Hwy, Suite B2, in the Town & Country Village center next to Trader Joe's. Our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.
Ready to feel better?
Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.
Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026