Introduction

Urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction are conditions that affect many people, impacting their quality of life and daily activities. The Emsella Chair has been marketed as a convenient, non-invasive treatment for these issues, but is it the best option? In this blog, we will explore why seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist (PT) is a more effective for long term results compared to relying solely on the Emsella Chair.

Understanding the Emsella Chair

What is the Emsella Chair?

The Emsella Chair is an FDA-approved device designed to treat urinary incontinence. It uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles, supposedly delivering thousands of Kegel-like pelvic floor contractions in a single session. However, do we need to do thousands of contractions of any muscle? Most medical providers would advise against that advice.

How Does It Work?

By creating an electromagnetic field, the Emsella Chair induces muscle contractions in the pelvic floor. While this sounds promising, the reality is that these passive contractions do not translate to how the pelvic floor muscles work functionally in daily life. It can even make your symptoms worse, especially if the pelvic floor muscles are tight to begin with. These are huge reasons it should not be a substitute pelvic floor PT.

The Limitations of the Emsella Chair

Passive Contractions vs. Active Therapy

Passive contractions, like those induced by the Emsella Chair, do not fully replicate the benefits of active muscle engagement. Active exercises, prescribed by a PT, not only strengthen the correct muscles your body needs, but also improve coordination and functionality of the entire pelvic region. The pelvic floor works in conjunction with many other muscles of the body to include the hip rotators, glutes, core muscles, and even the diaphragm. If it is not trained with consideration of those muscles, then it won’t translate to reduced symptoms of leaking, pain, etc.

Lack of Personalized Treatment

The Emsella Chair provides a one-size-fits-all approach, which does not account for the unique needs and conditions of each individual. A pelvic floor PT, on the other hand, tailors the treatment plan to address specific issues. For example, someone could have tightness in their pelvic floor muscles that could be stemming from weakness in the glutes, or limited mobility in the hips. Pelvic floor PTs would then address these limitations in their exercise plan or with manual techniques in order to get the pelvic floor muscles to let go. An approach like its a lot more comprehensive and thus more effective in eliminate symptoms long term.

Why Choose Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy?

Comprehensive Holistic Approach

A pelvic floor PT will do a thorough head to to assessment, examining not just the pelvic floor muscles but also related structures and overall body mechanics. This holistic approach helps identify the root causes of why the pelvic floor isn’t working well in the first place.

Individualized Treatment

Pelvic floor PTs develop personalized plans that address what is going on in your specific body that might be causing your symptoms. These plans often include a combination of specific exercises, manual therapy, and education on lifestyle modifications that support long-term relief of your symptoms.

Active Participation and Empowerment

Working with a pelvic floor PT empowers you to take an active role in your recovery. It allows your to have the tools to manage your symptoms, understand what to look for with possible flare ups, and how to tackle these obstacles if they do occur. By learning and understanding what to do, you can reduce the risk of these pelvic problems from reoccurring and also eliminate the reliance on passive treatments like the Emsella Chair.

How Pelvic Floor PT Addresses Incontinence and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Functional Exercises

Pelvic floor PTs prescribe exercises that integrate pelvic floor muscle engagement with movements of the core, hips, and lower back. They also evaluate why your pelvic floor muscles might not be functioning properly during daily activities or traditional strength exercises. By addressing these underlying issues, and providing you with functional exercises to correct it, they ensure your pelvic floor works optimally in coordination with the rest of your body.

Breathing and Postural Training

Proper breathing techniques and posture are crucial for efficient pelvic floor function. A pelvic floor PT will help you find ideal posture based on your body’s needs—for example, addressing tight hip flexors or weak glutes that may prevent optimal alignment for your diaphragm and pelvic floor to work together. When breathing mechanics and posture are taken into consideration, the effectiveness of pelvic floor exercises increases significantly, improving your ability to prevent urinary leakage from reoccurring.

Manual Therapy and Hands-On Techniques

Pelvic floor PTs use manual therapy to release tension and improve mobility in areas that may be limiting pelvic floor function. This can include increasing back or hip mobility, which may contribute to pelvic floor weakness or tightness. They also can provide targeted manual cues to help you better activate your pelvic floor muscles. These hands-on techniques provide a level of customization that devices like the Emsella Chair cannot offer.

Why Pelvic Floor PT is the Smarter Choice

Long-Term Solutions for Pelvic Health

Pelvic floor PT is grounded in evidence-based practice, offering personalized treatments that address the root causes of pelvic floor dysfunction. By targeting underlying issues and teaching you how to maintain pelvic health, pelvic floor PT provides sustainable, long-term improvements. Unlike the passive, short-term relief offered by devices like the Emsella Chair, pelvic floor PT empowers you with tools for ongoing symptom management and prevention.

Cost Considerations

Value for Investment

While the Emsella Chair sessions can be expensive and require ongoing maintenance treatments, pelvic floor PT provides lasting benefits that make it a more cost-effective option in the long run. Investing in PT means investing in a solution that addresses the root cause of your issues.

Conclusion

While the Emsella Chair offers a seemingly convenient solution for urinary incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction, it falls short in providing the comprehensive, personalized care that a pelvic floor PT offers. By choosing pelvic floor physical therapy, you invest in a treatment that addresses the root causes of your condition, promotes your active participation, and allows for long lasting results.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified pelvic floor physical therapists, visit our website or contact us today. We are here to help you achieve the best possible outcomes for your pelvic health.

Written by:

Dr. Jana Richardson, PT, DPT, WCS, PRPC, CIDN
Dual Board Certified Pelvic Floor Therapist and Owner of Chicago Pelvic Health

Dr. Jana Richardson is a highly accomplished pelvic floor therapist with dual board certifications and extensive experience in treating complex pelvic floor dysfunctions. As the owner of Chicago Pelvic Health, Dr. Richardson is dedicated to providing personalized and effective care for her patients. With a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and specialized certifications in Women’s Health and Pelvic Rehabilitation, Dr. Richardson is a leading expert in her field. She is also certified in Integrative Dry Needling, further enhancing her ability to offer comprehensive treatment plans. Dr. Richardson’s commitment to patient-centered care and her passion for helping individuals achieve optimal pelvic health make her an invaluable asset to the community.

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