Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome
A Message From Stella Dimitrakakis, PT, DPT, CFMT, OCS, Owner and Founder of Soma Vita Physio & Wellness
Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome) can cause chronic bladder pain, frequent urination, urgency, and discomfort that interfere with daily life. This condition often leads to a constant sense of urgency, burning, or aching, which can be exhausting and frustrating. While the exact cause is still not fully understood, it’s thought to be related to inflammation, bladder wall irritation, pelvic floor dysfunction, and nervous system sensitivity.
This condition can affect anyone, but it is particularly common in women. Interstitial cystitis can be triggered or worsened by stress, hormonal fluctuations, and even trauma. Unfortunately, many people with IC are told to “manage” their symptoms with medication or restrictive diets, but these approaches often provide little lasting relief.
At Soma Vita Physio & Wellness, we take a holistic approach to treating interstitial cystitis and painful bladder syndrome. Our goal is to identify the root causes of your symptoms and provide a comprehensive treatment plan that targets the pelvic floor, nervous system, and overall body alignment.
We focus on providing lasting relief without relying on medication or invasive procedures, helping you return to the activities you enjoy without the constant discomfort of interstitial cystitis.
You don’t have to live with bladder pain. At Soma Vita Physio & Wellness, we work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that will address the root causes of your condition and help you find lasting relief.
We use advanced techniques such as:
- Myofascial release therapy
- Breathwork and nervous system regulation to calm pain signals
- Posture and movement corrections to optimize pelvic health
- Pelvic floor therapy to release tension and improve bladder support
- Bladder retraining to reduce urgency and frequency
- Pelvic floor muscle coordination with the rest of the body
Don’t put up with it any longer. Soma Vita Physio & Wellness can assist you.
- Tired of urine leakage (incontinence) while running, jumping, or even going about your daily business?
- Tired of bladder pain, urgency, or discomfort that disrupts your daily life?
- Do you find sex painful or uncomfortable?
- Having difficulty keeping up with your children and feeling as if you're missing out on life?
- Lacking confidence because you're dealing with constant pelvic discomfort and it’s affecting your quality of life?
- Frustrated that other approaches haven't worked (even if they were from another PT) or unsure what to try?
- Feeling self-conscious, discouraged, or misunderstood because no one seems to understand the pain you're experiencing?
You've come to the right place if you answered "Yes" to any of these questions!
- “Do nothing but rest for 6 weeks, then resume your normal activity,” your doctor advises. Weeks, months, and even years pass, and you're still struggling with urinary urgency or bladder pain.
- Told to "just manage" your symptoms with medications or diet changes that only provide temporary relief, but never really get to the root of the problem.
- It's "normal" to feel constant bladder discomfort, burning, or pressure, and that you just have to live with it.
- Doctors keep diagnosing you with UTIs, but antibiotics never seem to help, and your symptoms persist.
- Only medicine, surgery, or "just dealing with it" are options.
The Reality Is…
- Resting it makes no difference. You may feel some temporary relief, but when you go back to your daily life, the pain, urgency, and discomfort from interstitial cystitis (IC) will still be there. (You’ve probably noticed this already!)
- While it is very common, experiencing persisten bladder pain, urgency, or discomfort... is NOT NORMAL.It's time to stop settling for "managing" the symptoms and start addressing the underlying cause.
- Pain relievers are addictive, dangerous, and often just mask the problem. They don’t heal your bladder or restore your quality of life. You need a solution that gets to the root of your symptoms, not just a band-aid.
- Medicine, surgery, and injections are not the only options available. They are the only options available to you from your doctor.
Finally—A Natural, Lasting Solution for Painful Bladder Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis)
At Soma Vita Physio & Wellness, we help people struggling with urinary urgency, bladder pain, sex pain, or pelvic tension get back to living life fully—without pills, pads, or surgery.
If you’re dealing with the constant urge to pee, a burning or aching bladder, or pain that no one seems to understand, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck like this forever.
You deserve care from a provider who listens, understands the root cause of your symptoms, and treats your body as a whole—not just a bladder.
Choosing the right provider could be the difference between years of frustration… or finally getting your life back.
Too often, people with Interstitial Cystitis or Painful Bladder Syndrome are told to just “manage” their symptoms with medications, invasive procedures, or diets that barely make a dent in their discomfort.
But that’s not your only option.
The truth is:
Getting the least-invasive, most holistic care is essential to finding relief—and preventing your symptoms from worsening over time.
You need more than temporary coping strategies.
You need a practitioner who looks at the entire picture: your pelvic floor, abdominal wall, breathing, posture, nervous system, and daily habits.
Painful Bladder Syndrome is not just a bladder problem.
It’s a complex condition influenced by tension, pressure, mobility, and nervous system sensitivity.
To truly heal, we need to address more than just the site of the pain.
Why Soma Vita Physio & Wellness?
Our team specializes in helping people with pelvic floor dysfunctions like interstitial cystitis, bladder pain, and chronic pelvic tension finally feel seen, heard, and supported.
We don’t offer cookie-cutter treatments or tell you to “just do Kegels.”
We help you uncover the real cause of your symptoms and create a personalized plan for lasting relief.
At Soma Vita Physio & Wellness, we believe pelvic floor dysfunction—whether it’s bladder pain, urgency, leakage, or prolapse—does not have to rule your life. You deserve to feel strong, confident, and free from pads, pills, or surgery.
You need a team that:
Listens deeply to your story
Investigates the root cause of your symptoms
Treats your body as a whole—not just the bladder, pelvic floor, or prolapse
Here’s What Sets Us Apart
🔹 30+ years of combined clinical experience helping people overcome interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, incontinence, pelvic pain, diastasis recti, prolapse, and more—so they can laugh, exercise, lift, and live without fear.
🔹 Specialized Advanced Certifications
• Dr. Stella Dimitrakakis, PT, DPT, CFMT (Certified Functional Manual Therapist™)—an elite distinction held by less than 1% of U.S. PTs—bringing advanced hands-on techniques to restore mobility, alignment, and pelvic support.
• Dr. Lauren, PRPC (Pelvic Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification)—expert in treating complex pelvic floor conditions, from stress and urge incontinence to prolapse and chronic pelvic tension.
🔹 Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialists (PCES)
Both Dr. Stella and Dr. Lauren guide you safely through movement, strength training, and body mechanics—whether you’re postpartum, perimenopausal, or simply ready to reclaim your body.
Our Comprehensive, Hands-On Services
✅ Functional Manual Therapy™
Advanced, targeted hands-on work to release tension in the pelvic floor, abdomen, scar tissue, and surrounding structures—reducing pain, heaviness, and pressure.
✅ Pelvic Floor & Core Retraining
Learn not just to strengthen—but to coordinate, lengthen, and relax your deep core and pelvic floor for reliable control.
✅ Visceral Mobilization
Gently improve mobility of the bladder, uterus, bowels, and internal organs to ease pelvic pressure, bloating, and discomfort.
✅ Breathwork & Nervous System Regulation
Calm pain signals, reduce inflammation, and support lasting relief through diaphragmatic breathing and stress-modulation techniques.
✅ Bladder Retraining & Behavioral Coaching
Practical strategies to manage urgency, frequency, and leakage—without medications or pads.
✅ Postural & Movement Re-Education
Assess and correct how you sit, stand, lift, and exercise to protect your pelvic floor and prevent symptom flare-ups.
✅ Return-to-Exercise & Lifestyle Coaching
Whether you’re an athlete, weightlifter, or busy parent, we build a safe, progressive plan so you can move confidently—without limitations.
Our Promise to You
No cookie-cutter “just do Kegels” programs—every plan is personalized to your anatomy, history, and goals.
No short-term patches—we’re here for lasting outcomes that let you live fully, pain- and worry-free.
No judgment—just expert guidance, compassionate care, and a trusted referral if we’re not the perfect fit.
✅ Not sure if we’re right for you? Book a Free Discovery Call to share your story and see how we can help.
✅ If we’re not the best match? We’ll connect you with a specialist who is.
🔵 Click below to request your Free Discovery Call today—and take the first step toward feeling safe, strong, and supported again.
You don’t have to give up the activities and family lifestyle you enjoy because of problems that can be fixed.
What Other People Just Like You Are Saying About Soma Vita Physio Wellness in Watchung NJ
80+ 5-Star Reviews
- Sigal E.
“I came to Soma Vita half way through a pregnancy, feeling very discouraged by pelvic pain that had been plaguing me for a few weeks. I worried that I would be unable to maintain any kind of physical activity for the duration of the pregnancy (forget exercise – I needed to be able to comfortably walk, take care of my kids, and otherwise manage day to day life). Immediately, Stella was able to identify the problem and address the areas at issue. With regular sessions, she both worked out the problem areas and strengthened adjacent/otherwise related areas. I continued on through the pregnancy to address any other aches and pains that arose. I am so grateful to have had such a competent and dedicated practitioner to address these issues and keep me comfortably mobile through my pregnancy. This was hands down the best thing I did for myself this pregnancy. I look forward to continuing with Stella postpartum to return to a regular exercise routine.
- Ruby P.
“If you are looking for a PT to help with pelvic floor issues or anything of the sort, look no further! Stella was absolutely amazing in making me feel comfortable at every appointment and explaining everything so thoroughly. Before my therapy I couldn’t do certain jumping exercises but now I am able to do so without issues. She also made sure that I would have a plan for home after therapy was over. I would absolutely recommend her to everyone!!”
- Yuliana B.
“Stella is the most amazing physical therapist you will ever meet. Not only is she passionate but incredibly knowledgeable. When I reached out to her I was experiencing some incontinence (I’m only 32) and lots of pelvic and lower back pain. She worked with me to release muscles that I didn’t even know had a role in that pain and she taught me how to sit and stand better. Who knew there was a correct way to sit? She really made a difference in my life and I recommend her to any woman experiencing pelvic discomfort. No it is not normal to pee every time you sneeze or laugh, even if you had a kid. She can help you fix that!”
