Do you experience that sudden urge to rush to the bathroom? The embarrassment of leaks when you laugh, cough, or exercise? The constant worry about being too far from a restroom? If so, you’re experiencing the challenging reality of pelvic floor dysfunction – a condition affecting over 25% of women and a significant number of men worldwide.

For decades, traditional treatments like Kegel exercises, physical therapy, and medications have been the standard approach. Many patients spend months or years performing daily exercises with mixed results. But recent technological advancements have introduced a revolutionary alternative: the Emsella chair with its High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology.

At Alpha Rejuvenation, we understand the profound impact that pelvic floor issues can have on your quality of life, confidence, and daily activities. We believe you deserve access to the most effective treatments available. But with so many options, how do you know which approach is right for you?

This comprehensive guide cuts through the marketing claims to deliver an evidence-based comparison between Emsella and traditional pelvic floor treatments. We’ll examine the science, effectiveness, convenience, and cost factors to help you make an informed decision about your pelvic health journey.

What You Are About to Read

• Detailed comparison between Emsella HIFEM technology and traditional pelvic floor treatments
• Scientific evidence behind each treatment method’s effectiveness
• Key advantages and limitations of Emsella compared to manual Kegel exercises
• How Emsella compares to physical therapy, biofeedback, and medications
• Cost considerations and insurance coverage information
• Which treatment option might be best for your specific situation

Understanding Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Common Challenge

Pelvic floor dysfunction affects millions of people worldwide, with urinary incontinence being one of its most common and distressing symptoms. Whether caused by childbirth, aging, hormonal changes, or other factors, weakened pelvic floor muscles can significantly impact quality of life, leading to embarrassment, social isolation, and reduced confidence.

For years, traditional approaches like Kegel exercises, physical therapy, and medications have been the standard recommendations. However, innovative technologies like the Emsella chair, which uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology, have emerged as game-changers in pelvic floor rehabilitation. At Alpha Rejuvenation, we’re committed to offering cutting-edge solutions backed by scientific evidence.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare Emsella with traditional treatments to help you make an informed decision about the best approach for your pelvic floor health.

Traditional Pelvic Floor Treatments: The Standard Approach

Before diving into how Emsella works, let’s examine the traditional treatment options that have been recommended for decades.

Manual Kegel Exercises

Kegel exercises, first introduced by Dr. Arnold Kegel in the 1940s, involve the voluntary contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles.

How Kegels Work: By repeatedly contracting and relaxing these muscles, patients aim to strengthen the pelvic floor, much like any other muscle-strengthening exercise.

Effectiveness: When performed correctly and consistently, Kegel exercises can improve symptoms of mild to moderate urinary incontinence. Studies show that patients who diligently perform Kegels may see improvements in 3-6 months.

Limitations:

• Difficult to perform correctly (studies show 30-50% of people perform them incorrectly)
• Requires significant self-motivation and consistent daily practice
• Progress is slow, typically requiring months of dedicated effort
• Only engages a subset of pelvic floor muscles
• Difficult to achieve sufficient intensity for optimal strengthening
• Challenging to maintain as a long-term habit

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Physical therapy represents a more supervised approach to pelvic floor rehabilitation.

How PT Works: Specialized physical therapists work one-on-one with patients, teaching proper technique for Kegel exercises, providing manual therapy, and sometimes incorporating tools like vaginal weights or cones.

Effectiveness: With professional guidance, physical therapy can be highly effective, especially for patients who need personalized attention and have complex pelvic floor issues.

Limitations:

• Requires multiple office visits over several months
• Can be expensive, especially if insurance coverage is limited
• May involve internal examination, which some patients find uncomfortable
• Time-consuming, typically requiring 8-12 weekly sessions plus daily home exercises
• Results depend heavily on patient compliance with home exercise programs

Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback adds a technological component to physical therapy.

How Biofeedback Works: Sensors are placed on or inside the body to measure pelvic floor muscle activity. A computer display provides real-time feedback, helping patients visualize muscle contractions and learn proper technique.

Effectiveness: Biofeedback can be particularly useful for patients who struggle to identify and properly contract their pelvic floor muscles.

Limitations:

• Requires specialized equipment and trained providers
• More expensive than self-directed Kegel exercises
• May involve internal sensors, which some patients find invasive
• Still requires consistent home practice for optimal results
• Multiple sessions needed for significant improvement

Medications

Various medications can help manage symptoms of urinary incontinence, though they typically address the symptoms rather than strengthening the underlying muscles.

Types of Medications:

• Anticholinergics for overactive bladder (e.g., oxybutynin, tolterodine)
• Beta-3 adrenergic agonists (e.g., mirabegron)
• Topical estrogen for postmenopausal women

Effectiveness: Medications can reduce symptoms for many patients, particularly those with urge incontinence.

Limitations:

• Side effects can include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and cognitive issues
• Does not address the underlying muscular weakness
• Need to be taken continuously for ongoing benefit
• Not suitable for all patients due to contraindications or interactions with other medications

Pessaries and Supportive Devices

Pessaries are removable devices inserted into the vagina to provide structural support to the pelvic organs.

How Pessaries Work: These devices physically support the pelvic organs and help prevent leakage by providing pressure on the urethra.

Effectiveness: Pessaries can be effective for managing symptoms, particularly in cases of pelvic organ prolapse.

Limitations:

• Requires fitting by a healthcare provider
• Needs regular removal for cleaning
• Can cause discomfort, irritation, or infection
• Does not strengthen the pelvic floor muscles

Surgical Options

For severe cases, surgical interventions may be recommended.

Types of Surgeries:

• Sling procedures for stress incontinence
• Prolapse repair surgeries
• Sacral neuromodulation

Effectiveness: Surgery can provide significant relief for appropriately selected patients.

Limitations:

• Invasive with associated risks and recovery time
• Potential complications including pain, infection, and mesh-related issues
• Not all patients are good surgical candidates
• May not be a permanent solution, with some patients experiencing recurrence

The Emsella Revolution: How HIFEM Technology Works

The Emsella chair represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. Developed by BTL Industries, this FDA-cleared device uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to deliver thousands of supramaximal pelvic floor contractions in a single session.

The Science Behind Emsella

HIFEM Technology: Emsella generates a focused electromagnetic field that penetrates the pelvic floor region to a depth of approximately 10 centimeters.

Mechanism of Action: When this electromagnetic energy reaches the motor neurons in the pelvic floor, it causes depolarization of the neurons, triggering muscle contractions that are far more intense than what can be achieved voluntarily.

Supramaximal Contractions: Unlike regular Kegel exercises, which produce submaximal contractions, Emsella induces supramaximal contractions—contractions that exceed what is physiologically possible through voluntary effort.

Complete Muscle Engagement: While manual Kegels typically engage only a portion of the pelvic floor muscles, Emsella activates the entire pelvic floor musculature simultaneously.

The Emsella Treatment Experience

A typical Emsella treatment protocol consists of:

• Six 28-minute sessions
• Scheduled twice weekly for three weeks
• Patient remains fully clothed
• No recovery time needed
• No pain or discomfort (some patients report a tingling sensation)

During each session, the patient sits comfortably on the Emsella chair while the device delivers approximately 11,000 pelvic floor contractions—equivalent to performing 11,000 perfect Kegel exercises in under 30 minutes.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Emsella vs. Traditional Treatments

Now that we understand both approaches, let’s directly compare Emsella with traditional treatments across key factors.

Effectiveness: What the Research Shows

Clinical Evidence for Emsella:

Multiple peer-reviewed studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Emsella for treating urinary incontinence:

• A 2021 comparative study published in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery showed that HIFEM technology produced significantly greater improvements in pelvic floor muscle strength compared to electrostimulation, with a 52% improvement in Pelvic Floor Disability Index scores for the HIFEM group versus only 18% for the electrostimulation group.
• A randomized trial comparing HIFEM to conventional pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) found that at 6 months post-treatment, 86.7% of Emsella patients reported improved pad use compared to 62.5% in the PFMT group. The Emsella group also maintained their improvements at the 12-month follow-up, while the PFMT group showed declining benefits.
• Multiple studies using objective measurements like 3D ultrasound have confirmed significant improvements in pelvic floor muscle thickness and positioning after Emsella treatments.

Effectiveness of Traditional Methods:

• Kegel exercises, when performed correctly and consistently, show improvement rates of 40-60% for stress urinary incontinence after 3-6 months of daily practice.
• Pelvic floor physical therapy demonstrates success rates of 50-75% in reducing incontinence symptoms, though results vary widely depending on therapist expertise and patient adherence.
• Biofeedback therapy shows similar success rates to physical therapy, with some studies suggesting slightly better outcomes due to improved technique.
• Medications for overactive bladder typically reduce incontinence episodes by 60-70%, but benefits disappear when medication is discontinued.

Time Investment and Convenience

Emsella:

• Total of 3 hours (six 30-minute sessions over three weeks)
• No home exercises required
• Requires clinic visits but no active participation during treatment
• Results begin to appear after 2-3 sessions

Traditional Treatments:

• Kegels: 10-15 minutes of exercises daily for months or years
• Physical therapy: Weekly 45-60 minute sessions for 8-12 weeks, plus daily home exercises
• Biofeedback: Similar time commitment to physical therapy
• Medications: Daily administration, indefinitely

Comfort and Ease of Use

Emsella:

• Non-invasive (patient remains fully clothed)
• Passive treatment (no effort required)
• No pain or discomfort
• No need to learn proper technique

Traditional Treatments:

• Kegels: Challenging to learn proper technique; no discomfort but requires concentration
• Physical therapy: May involve internal examination and manual therapy
• Biofeedback: Often requires internal sensors
• Medications: Potential side effects affecting quality of life

Long-Term Results and Maintenance

Emsella:

• Studies show results lasting 6-12 months after initial treatment series
• Maintenance sessions recommended every 6-12 months
• Progressive improvement over first 4-8 weeks following treatment

Traditional Treatments:

• Kegels: Requires ongoing daily exercises indefinitely to maintain results
• Physical therapy: Benefits may diminish if home exercise program is discontinued
• Biofeedback: Similar to physical therapy
• Medications: Benefits continue only while medication is taken

Cost Considerations

Emsella:

• Average cost: $1,800-$3,000 for a complete series of 6 treatments
• May not be covered by insurance
• Maintenance sessions typically cost $300-$500 each

Traditional Treatments:

• Kegels: Free to perform, but may require initial instruction ($100-$200)
• Physical therapy: $100-$300 per session, often partially covered by insurance
• Biofeedback: $150-$400 per session, variable insurance coverage
• Medications: $50-$200 per month, often partially covered by insurance

What Folks Want To Know

Can Emsella completely replace Kegel exercises?

For many patients, Emsella provides sufficient strengthening without the need for additional Kegel exercises. However, some healthcare providers recommend continuing occasional Kegel exercises as maintenance between Emsella sessions. The significant advantage of Emsella is that it ensures correct muscle activation, which many patients struggle to achieve with self-directed Kegels.

Is Emsella covered by insurance?

Currently, most insurance plans do not cover Emsella treatments, as it’s considered a relatively new technology. However, some patients have successfully used Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay for treatments. We recommend checking with your insurance provider and discussing payment options with your provider.

How does Emsella compare to electrical stimulation devices?

Both technologies aim to strengthen the pelvic floor, but they work differently. Electrical stimulation (like TENS units) sends electrical currents directly to muscles through electrodes, while Emsella uses electromagnetic energy to induce contractions. Clinical studies have shown Emsella to be significantly more effective than electrical stimulation, likely because it can achieve deeper penetration and stronger muscle contractions.

Who is not a good candidate for Emsella?

Emsella is contraindicated for patients with metal implants in the pelvic area, pacemakers, defibrillators, or other implanted electronic devices. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women or patients with active infections. For these individuals, traditional treatments like physical therapy remain the safer option.

How quickly will I see results with Emsella versus traditional treatments?

Many Emsella patients report noticing improvements after just 2-3 sessions (1-2 weeks), with continued improvement over the following weeks. Traditional treatments typically take longer to show results—Kegels may require 6-12 weeks of consistent practice, while physical therapy results often begin to appear after 4-6 weeks of regular sessions.

Can men use Emsella too?

Yes! While often associated with women’s health, Emsella is FDA-cleared for treating urinary incontinence in both men and women. It’s particularly beneficial for men experiencing incontinence following prostate surgery.

The Best of Both Worlds: Combining Approaches

While we’ve compared these approaches as alternatives, many healthcare providers actually recommend combining them for optimal results. Here are some effective combination strategies:

Emsella + Targeted Kegels

Once Emsella has helped patients identify and strengthen their pelvic floor muscles, many find it easier to perform correct Kegel exercises at home for maintenance.

Emsella + Physical Therapy

For patients with complex pelvic floor issues, combining Emsella’s intensive muscle strengthening with the hands-on, individualized approach of physical therapy can address both muscular weakness and coordination problems.

Emsella + Lifestyle Modifications

Certain lifestyle changes can enhance the effectiveness of any pelvic floor treatment:

• Weight management (excess weight puts pressure on the pelvic floor)
• Proper hydration and fiber intake to prevent constipation
• Avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol
• Learning proper lifting techniques to minimize pelvic floor strain

Choosing the Right Approach for Your Needs

With so many options available, how do you decide which treatment is right for you? Consider these factors:

Severity of Symptoms

• Mild symptoms: You might start with self-directed Kegels and lifestyle modifications.
• Moderate symptoms: Consider Emsella or physical therapy as a primary intervention.
• Severe symptoms: A combination approach or consultation with a urogynecologist or urologist about surgical options may be appropriate.

Time Constraints

• Limited time for daily exercises: Emsella’s concentrated treatment sessions may be preferable.
• Flexible schedule with good self-discipline: Traditional Kegels or home programs from physical therapy might work well.

Budget Considerations

• Limited budget without insurance coverage: Self-directed Kegels with proper instruction.
• Insurance coverage for physical therapy: Take advantage of covered PT sessions.
• Ability to invest in long-term solution: Emsella might offer better value over time compared to ongoing physical therapy.

Personal Preferences

• Prefer non-invasive, non-internal approaches: Emsella allows treatment while fully clothed.
• Value hands-on guidance: Physical therapy provides personalized attention.
• Desire measurable feedback: Biofeedback offers visual confirmation of progress.

Final Thoughts: Revolutionizing Pelvic Floor Treatment

The emergence of Emsella and HIFEM technology represents a significant advancement in treating pelvic floor dysfunction. While traditional approaches like Kegel exercises and physical therapy remain valuable tools, Emsella offers unique advantages in terms of effectiveness, convenience, and comprehensive muscle engagement.

At Alpha Rejuvenation, we’re proud to offer this cutting-edge technology alongside expert guidance to help you determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your specific needs. Whether you choose Emsella, traditional treatments, or a combination approach, taking action to address pelvic floor dysfunction can significantly improve your quality of life.

Don’t let pelvic floor dysfunction limit your activities or diminish your confidence. With today’s advanced treatment options, effective relief is more accessible than ever before.

Read more:

The Science Behind the Emsella Chair: A Revolutionary Approach to Pelvic Floor Health

Resources

• Samuels, J. B., Pezzella, A., Berenholz, J., & Alinsod, R. (2019). Safety and Efficacy of a Non-Invasive High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Field (HIFEM) Device for Treatment of Urinary Incontinence and Enhancement of Quality of Life. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 51(7), 760-766.
• Silantyeva, E., Zarkovic, D., Astafeva, E., Soldatskaia, R., Orazov, M., Belkovskaya, M., & Kurtser, M. (2021). A Comparative Study on the Effects of High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Technology and Electrostimulation for the Treatment of Pelvic Floor Muscles and Urinary Incontinence in Parous Women: Analysis of Posttreatment Data. Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery, 27(4), 269-273.
• Goldstick, O., & Constantini, N. (2014). Urinary incontinence in physically active women and female athletes. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 48(4), 296-298.
• Dumoulin, C., Cacciari, L. P., & Hay-Smith, E. J. C. (2018). Pelvic floor muscle training versus no treatment, or inactive control treatments, for urinary incontinence in women. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 10, CD005654.