Pain and pressure
Track how bladder discomfort changes with filling, voiding, and daily activity. A symptom diary provides a useful baseline.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for interstitial cystitis & bladder pain
Interstitial cystitis & bladder pain research & care · Scottsdale & Glendale, AZ
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for interstitial cystitis & bladder pain
Bladder pain and frequent urgent trips to the bathroom can shape work, sleep, and time away from home.
RX-O2 offers a physician-led conversation about the evidence, your diagnosis, and the role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in your broader care plan. Our Scottsdale and Glendale teams serve patients across the Phoenix area.
Early clinical studies report encouraging changes in bladder pain, urgency, and quality of life. A consultation can help you explore this emerging research alongside your urologic care.
Physician-led care in Scottsdale and Glendale, serving the Phoenix area.
Physician-ledIndividual assessment and treatment planning
FDA-cleared chambersMedical hard-shell hyperbaric equipment
100% medical oxygenDelivered through a mask or hood
NHSA-certified techniciansPreparation, monitoring, and communication
The starting point
Identify the reason for bladder symptoms first
Interstitial cystitis, also called bladder pain syndrome or IC/BPS, is a different clinical problem from bladder injury caused by pelvic radiation. The two conditions should not share the same treatment claims.
A urologic assessment helps establish the diagnosis, identify other causes of symptoms, and review treatments already tried. Your symptom pattern, bladder findings, and previous response to care help frame an informed discussion.
The clinical context matters. Research in radiation cystitis cannot establish effectiveness for IC/BPS. Keep your urologist involved and do not substitute HBOT for the evaluation of bleeding, infection, or new urinary symptoms.
Connect the research to your goals
What matters in daily life?
Urgency and frequency
Record daytime visits and nighttime interruptions. Small studies have assessed these symptoms, but results are uncertain.
Daily quality of life
Discuss work, sleep, and activities restricted by symptoms. Meaningful function matters alongside questionnaire scores.
Your goals help shape the conversation and provide a useful way to follow progress if treatment is prescribed.
Explore the evidence
Interstitial cystitis & bladder pain & HBOT research
Explore the findings behind the conversation. These selected publications highlight reported benefits, the patients studied, and the questions researchers are still working to answer.
Literature checked
October 20, 2026
2024 · Clinical mechanistic study
A 2024 study of symptoms and bladder tissue markers
Zhang J, et al. Turkish journal of medical sciences. 12/11/2023.
Read the publicationAn uncontrolled study of 38 patients reported improvements in pain, urinary symptoms, and quality-of-life measures after HBOT. Bladder capacity did not change significantly. Tissue markers were also examined.
How to interpret it: Without a comparison group, symptom changes cannot be attributed confidently to HBOT. Marker changes do not prove a clinical mechanism.
2006 · Randomized, sham-controlled trial
A small sham-controlled trial with limited responders
van Ophoven A, et al. The Journal of urology. 2006 Oct.
Read the publicationA randomized study enrolled 21 patients. Three of 14 assigned to HBOT met the response definition, compared with none in the control group.
How to interpret it: The corrected abstract does not establish a statistically significant response difference. A small group of responders cannot predict the chance of benefit for an individual.
What this means for your decision
The symptom improvements in early studies offer a reason to keep investigating HBOT for IC/BPS. Evidence remains limited and the small controlled trial was inconclusive. Our team can review your history with you, discuss the uncertainties, and help you decide whether further evaluation makes sense.
Plan with your care team
Start with your diagnosis and a coordinated plan
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Share the relevant records
Bring your urology notes, bladder investigations, symptom diary, medication list, and details of prior treatments.
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Agree on the purpose of treatment
Review the evidence with your treating specialist and hyperbaric clinician. Identify specific outcomes to follow, the alternatives, and the reasons HBOT may or may not be appropriate.
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Set reassessment points
If treatment is prescribed, discuss the schedule, travel, costs, safety screening, and how progress will be reviewed. A published study schedule does not determine an individual prescription.
Your consultation is an opportunity to ask about expected benefits, treatment experience, scheduling, costs, and follow-up. We review suitability with you and coordinate with your treating clinicians when appropriate.
The RX-O2 difference
A team and setting you can get to know
Medical oversight from the start
Medical Director Marvin A. Borsand, DO, FACOS, FACCS, HCC, leads clinical oversight. A licensed medical provider reviews suitability and prescribes treatment when appropriate.
Medical hyperbaric equipment
Our clinics use FDA-cleared hard-shell chambers. You breathe 100% medical oxygen through a mask or hood while the chamber is pressurized with air.
Preparation and communication
NHSA-certified hyperbaric technicians explain the visit and monitor treatment. Tell us about ear pressure, positioning, mobility, or confinement concerns before you arrive.
Before your visit
Interstitial cystitis & bladder pain FAQs
What changes have bladder-pain studies reported?
Small studies describe improvements in pain, urgency, frequency, and quality of life in some participants. A symptom diary and urology records help us discuss which outcomes would matter most to you.
Does HBOT reliably reduce urinary frequency?
Small studies report improvements, but strong comparative evidence is lacking. A bladder diary can help distinguish a meaningful change from normal fluctuation.
Can I stop my bladder medication?
Do not change prescribed medication without your treating clinician. Any additional therapy should be coordinated with your urologic care.
Where can I discuss this research near Phoenix?
RX-O2 has clinics in Scottsdale and Glendale. Bring your records or ask your provider to send a referral so that the team can review your circumstances and explain whether an outpatient consultation is appropriate.
Local care, two Valley locations
Explore HBOT in Scottsdale or Glendale
Looking for a hyperbaric consultation near Phoenix? RX-O2 offers two locations for patients across the Valley. Call the clinic closest to you for appointment availability and help planning repeat visits.
RX-O2 Scottsdale
9035 E Pima Center Parkway #11Scottsdale, AZ 85258
An East Valley option for patients in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, and nearby communities.
RX-O2 Glendale
5626 N 51st AvenueGlendale, AZ 85301
A West Valley option for patients in Glendale, Peoria, Phoenix, and nearby communities.
Take the next step toward a personalized plan
You do not have to interpret the research alone. Meet with our Scottsdale or Glendale team to discuss your goals, ask questions, and explore whether HBOT is right for you.
Sources & further reading
- Zhang J, et al. Turkish journal of medical sciences. 12/11/2023. A 2024 study of symptoms and bladder tissue markers.
- van Ophoven A, et al. The Journal of urology. 2006 Oct. A small sham-controlled trial with limited responders.
Browse the complete HBOT research library · Learn how HBOT works
Selected research checked October 20, 2026. Evidence continues to evolve. This educational overview supports a conversation with your treating clinician; individual results vary.
Read HBOT safety and treatment FAQs. Discuss treatment risks, medicines, implants, and relevant medical history with your clinician. Equipment clearance does not establish effectiveness for every condition.