Exercise and IC

I was recently asked for guidelines on exercises for someone with Interstitial Cystitis. I feel it extremely important that people stay as active as possible, even when their condition limits the amount of time and energy they can commit to an exercise program. Here are key points that I go over with my patients. If you suffer from IC, and are thinking of starting an exercise program, please discuss it with your doctor or physical therapist first.

Exercise and IC

• Posture: This is absolutely key. Good posture increases blood and nutrient supply to the pelvic organs, and reduces stress on skeletal muscles, ligaments and joints. Be wary of sitting on hard surfaces (like work-out benches), many people have no problems with these, but for some, it can irritate symptoms
• Aerobic Conditioning: This is always beneficial. Especially important with IC: REMAIN HYDRATED! Toxins build up in the tissues with exercise unless you flush them out. These toxins are bladder irritants, and need to be diluted. Avoid high impact activities that will jar the bladder and encourage tightening of the pelvic floor.
  Bicycling may irritate the pelvic floor, depending on the seat.
• Core Stability: These exercises are especially beneficial, if not too strenuous, and attention is paid to the increase of inter abdominal pressure. Pilates is rarely a good idea for pelvic floor patients, unless they are in absolutely excellent condition with minimal symptoms.
  Ball activities are great. Sitting on the ball reduces tone in excessively tight PFM muscles, and increases tone in weak muscles.
• Stretching: Very important, but pay close attention to postural alignment, and be gentle.

Avoid Vigorous activity: (Stretching and strengthening), especially if it involves the muscles of the groin, abdominals, buttock, inner thigh or piriformis. Microtrauma to these muscles from over strenuous activity may cause trigger point or activation of latent trigger points that refer into the bladder or pelvic floor region. Don’t avoid working these areas, just be cautious.

Most IC patients know more about their bodies and their condition than any of the health professionals working with them. Listen to your body and pay attention to the signals. There may be increased symptoms if you overdo it at first, but keep working at it until you find a balance that allows you to improve your overall condition without irritating your IC.