Mechanistic-Based Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Evaluating Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying a condition called interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), which causes severe pain and affects millions in the United States. This condition is difficult to treat because symptoms vary widely, and emotional distress can worsen physical pain. The study aims to understand how different types of IC/BPS pain, or "phenotypes," affect responses to two common therapies: pelvic floor physical therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This research hopes to tailor treatments based on individual pain patterns for better care in the future. The study compares two treatment approaches for IC/BPS. One group receives pelvic floor physical therapy involving 10 weekly 45-minute sessions with a trained physical therapist, focusing on manual techniques to ease muscle tension and reduce symptoms. The other group receives psychosocial treatment with 8 weekly 50-minute individual visits with a trained therapist, covering pain coping, relaxation, education, and communication skills. These therapies are given in separate periods, and the study uses random assignment to place participants in one of these treatments. Participants will be involved in individual therapy or physical therapy sessions each week for 8 to 10 weeks. Researchers will assess treatment response using the Global Response Assessment scale shortly after therapy ends. Additional tests will measure pain sensitivity, nerve growth factors, and inflammatory markers before, after, and six months following treatment. The study also monitors emotional and physical health throughout. Overall participation lasts several months, including follow-up visits to understand long-term effects and treatment outcomes.

Pain Type and Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Treatment