What Is the Emsella Chair and How Can It Support Bladder Control?

Laughing, sneezing, exercising or lifting something should not have to come with the worry of unexpected bladder leakage. Yet urinary incontinence is a common concern that can affect people of different ages and stages of life.

Some people begin limiting workouts, avoiding long trips or planning every outing around bathroom access. Others rely on pads or stop participating in activities they previously enjoyed. Although bladder leakage is common, it should not simply be accepted as an unavoidable part of aging, childbirth or menopause.

The Emsella Chair is a non-invasive treatment designed to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles involved in bladder control. It uses focused electromagnetic energy to produce repeated pelvic floor muscle contractions while the client remains seated and fully clothed.

At Visage Rejuvenation in Waterdown, Emsella treatment is available for suitable women and men experiencing urinary incontinence or pelvic floor weakness. A personalized consultation helps determine whether it is appropriate for your symptoms, health history and treatment goals.

What Is the Emsella Chair?

Emsella is a specialized chair that uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology, commonly called HIFEM®, to stimulate the muscles of the pelvic floor.

During treatment, electromagnetic energy passes through the chair and reaches the pelvic floor muscles. This energy causes thousands of deep, Kegel-like contractions during a single session.

These contractions help exercise and re-educate muscles that may be difficult to identify or contract effectively through voluntary exercise alone.

Unlike surgical or internal treatments, Emsella does not involve:

• Needles
• Incisions
• Anaesthesia
• Internal probes
• Removing clothing
• A lengthy recovery period

The device is intended to provide non-invasive electromagnetic stimulation for the rehabilitation of weak pelvic muscles and restoration of neuromuscular control in the treatment of male and female urinary incontinence. The BTL Emsella device also appears in Health Canada’s active medical device licence database.

Why Are the Pelvic Floor Muscles Important?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues located at the base of the pelvis. These muscles help support the bladder, bowel and other pelvic organs.

They also play an important role in:

• Controlling the release of urine
• Supporting the pelvic organs
• Maintaining core stability
• Responding to increases in abdominal pressure
• Supporting bowel function
• Contributing to sexual function

A healthy pelvic floor needs both strength and coordination. The muscles must contract when support is required and relax appropriately at other times.

When the pelvic floor muscles become weak or are not activating effectively, bladder leakage may occur during activities that increase pressure in the abdomen. These can include coughing, sneezing, laughing, running, jumping and lifting.

What Can Weaken the Pelvic Floor?

Pelvic floor weakness can develop for several reasons. It may be associated with:

• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Menopause and hormonal changes
• Aging
• Pelvic or prostate surgery
• Chronic coughing
• Constipation and repeated straining
• High-impact physical activity
• Repeated heavy lifting
• Changes in body weight
• Reduced muscle conditioning

Pelvic floor symptoms are not limited to women. Men may also experience weakness or changes in bladder control, including after prostate-related treatment or surgery.

Because urinary leakage can have several possible causes, strengthening the pelvic floor is not automatically the complete solution for everyone. A proper assessment is important before beginning any treatment.

What Types of Urinary Incontinence Are There?

Urinary incontinence simply means the involuntary leakage of urine. However, it can occur in different ways.

Stress Urinary Incontinence

Stress incontinence occurs when urine leaks during an activity that increases pressure on the bladder. Common triggers include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Laughing
• Running
• Jumping
• Lifting
• Changing position

Despite its name, “stress” refers to physical pressure on the bladder rather than emotional stress.

Urge Incontinence

Urge incontinence involves a sudden, intense need to urinate that may be difficult to control. Some people also experience frequent urination or wake repeatedly during the night to use the bathroom.

Mixed Incontinence

Mixed incontinence includes symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence.

Other Causes of Leakage

Urinary leakage can also be related to infections, medications, incomplete bladder emptying, prostate conditions, mobility limitations, neurological conditions and other health concerns.

The Canadian Continence Foundation explains that urinary incontinence has several possible types and causes. It recommends professional assessment to identify the contributing factors and appropriate treatment options.

Emsella is not a diagnostic test. If you have unexplained or newly developed urinary symptoms, speak with an appropriate healthcare professional before assuming they are caused by a weak pelvic floor.

How Does Emsella Treatment Work?

During a session, the client sits in the centre of the Emsella Chair while fully clothed. The position of the chair allows the electromagnetic field to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles.

The device produces repeated contractions at an intensity and pattern that cannot normally be maintained voluntarily for an extended period.

These contractions may help:

• Activate deep pelvic floor muscles
• Improve muscle conditioning
• Re-educate neuromuscular control
• Strengthen the pelvic floor
• Improve support for bladder control
• Reduce urinary leakage in suitable clients

Think of the treatment as a focused pelvic floor muscle-training session. However, Emsella is not simply a replacement for every pelvic health treatment or exercise program. Some individuals may also benefit from pelvic health physiotherapy, bladder training, lifestyle changes or medical treatment.

The most effective approach depends on the type and cause of the symptoms.

What Does an Emsella Session Feel Like?

Emsella treatment does not require an examination or internal device. You remain fully clothed and sit directly on the chair for the session.

Once the treatment begins, you may feel:

• Tingling in the pelvic area
• Repeated pelvic floor contractions
• A tightening or lifting sensation
• Vibrations or pulsing
• Gradually increasing intensity

The sensation can feel unusual during the first appointment because the pelvic floor is contracting repeatedly without you consciously initiating each movement.

The treatment intensity can be adjusted according to your comfort and tolerance. It should feel like strong muscular contractions, but it should not cause uncomfortable pain. Tell your provider immediately if the treatment becomes painful.

According to the Emsella manufacturer, clients remain fully clothed, and a typical session lasts approximately 30 minutes.

How Long Does an Emsella Appointment Take?

An Emsella treatment generally takes about 30 minutes. This makes it possible for many clients to schedule a session during a lunch break or between other commitments.

There is normally no need for anaesthesia or a lengthy preparation process. Once the treatment is complete, most clients can leave the clinic and return to their regular activities.

Your initial visit may take longer because the provider needs to discuss your symptoms, health history, treatment expectations and potential contraindications before beginning.

How Many Emsella Sessions Will You Need?

Treatment requirements vary according to the individual.

At Visage Rejuvenation, a typical initial plan consists of six sessions scheduled twice a week for three weeks. Your provider may recommend a different schedule based on your symptoms, response and pelvic health goals.

Some clients report changes during the initial series, while others notice more gradual improvement. Completing the recommended plan allows time for repeated muscle stimulation and conditioning.

Follow-up or maintenance appointments may be considered depending on:

• The initial cause of pelvic floor weakness
• Severity of symptoms
• Response to the first treatment series
• Age and general muscle condition
• Lifestyle and activity level
• Future pregnancy or childbirth
• Medical procedures
• Whether pelvic floor exercises are continued

Results vary, and no treatment can guarantee that urinary leakage will completely resolve.

What Are the Potential Benefits of the Emsella Chair?

For an appropriate candidate, potential Emsella benefits may include:

Improved Bladder Control

Strengthening and re-educating weak pelvic floor muscles may reduce the frequency or severity of urinary leakage.

Non-Invasive Treatment

Treatment is performed externally while you remain seated and clothed. There are no needles, incisions or internal instruments.

No Scheduled Downtime

Most clients can return to work, errands or other ordinary activities after an appointment.

Convenient Sessions

A session generally takes about 30 minutes, making the treatment easier to incorporate into a busy schedule.

Treatment for Women and Men

Emsella is intended for both male and female urinary incontinence. Suitability is based on symptoms and medical considerations rather than gender alone.

Greater Confidence in Daily Activities

When treatment successfully reduces leakage, clients may feel more comfortable exercising, laughing, travelling or participating in social activities. Individual experiences and outcomes vary.

Is the Emsella Chair the Same as Doing Kegel Exercises?

Both approaches involve contracting the pelvic floor muscles, but they are not identical.

Kegel exercises are voluntary contractions performed without a device. They can be useful, but they must be performed with the correct muscles, technique and relaxation between contractions.

Some people have difficulty identifying their pelvic floor muscles or unintentionally activate the abdomen, buttocks or thighs instead. Others may not complete the exercises consistently enough to build strength.

Emsella uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate deep, repeated contractions during a supervised session. The client does not need to consciously generate every contraction.

However, Emsella should not be viewed as a reason to ignore professional pelvic health guidance. A pelvic health physiotherapist can assess muscle strength, coordination and tension while providing exercises and behavioural strategies tailored to the individual.

The Canadian Continence Foundation identifies pelvic floor physiotherapy as an evidence-based treatment option for stress, urge and mixed incontinence. Some clients may benefit from combining appropriate professional care with Emsella rather than relying on one approach alone.

Who May Be a Candidate for Emsella?

Emsella may be considered by women or men who experience urinary leakage associated with weak or poorly activated pelvic floor muscles.

Potential candidates may include people who:

• Leak urine when coughing or sneezing
• Experience leakage during exercise
• Have pelvic floor weakness following childbirth
• Notice bladder-control changes during menopause
• Have symptoms related to age-associated muscle weakness
• Experience appropriate post-prostate-treatment symptoms
• Want a non-invasive pelvic floor treatment
• Have difficulty performing pelvic floor exercises correctly
• Prefer a treatment that does not require undressing
• Want to avoid treatment-related downtime

A consultation is necessary because similar symptoms can have very different underlying causes.

Who Should Not Receive Emsella Treatment?

Emsella is not appropriate for everyone.

The manufacturer states that treatment should not be applied to individuals with electronic or metal implants. This can include certain pacemakers, implanted defibrillators or metal devices, depending on their location and type.

Before treatment, disclose:

• Any electronic or metal implant
• Previous pelvic or abdominal surgery
• Current pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy
• Recent childbirth
• A history of urinary or pelvic conditions
• Current infection or unexplained pelvic pain
• Neurological conditions
• Recent medical procedures
• All relevant medications and health conditions

Do not assume that an implant or health condition is unimportant simply because it is not located directly in the pelvis. Your treatment provider must determine whether it creates a contraindication.

When Should You Speak With a Doctor About Bladder Leakage?

Urinary incontinence is common, but new or worsening symptoms should not be self-diagnosed.

Speak with a healthcare professional if:

• Leakage begins suddenly
• Symptoms are becoming worse
• Incontinence interferes with daily life
• You experience pain or burning when urinating
• You see blood in your urine
• You have difficulty emptying your bladder
• You develop fever, chills or flank pain
• Leakage occurs with new weakness or numbness
• You have recurrent urinary tract infections
• You are uncertain about the cause

A primary care provider can help assess for infection, medication effects, prostate concerns, neurological conditions and other possible causes.

You may also be referred to a pelvic health physiotherapist, urologist, urogynecologist or another qualified professional. Emsella can be part of a pelvic health plan, but it should not delay necessary medical assessment.

Is There Any Downtime After Emsella?

Emsella normally requires no scheduled downtime. Most clients can resume ordinary activities immediately after leaving the clinic.

Some people may experience mild temporary muscle fatigue or soreness, similar to how a muscle group can feel after exercise. Follow the post-treatment guidance given by your provider.

Visage Rejuvenation may recommend that you stay hydrated and temporarily avoid strenuous activities involving the pelvic area if the muscles feel fatigued after a session.

How Should You Prepare for an Emsella Appointment?

Preparation is generally straightforward.

Before arriving:

• Wear comfortable clothing
• Remove metal objects as instructed
• Tell the provider about implants and medical devices
• Disclose your complete medical history
• Discuss recent procedures or surgeries
• Follow any clinic instructions about emptying your bladder
• Ask questions about expected sensations and results

You remain clothed during the session, but clothing without metal components may be recommended. The clinic can provide precise preparation instructions before your appointment.

How Can You Track Your Progress?

Pelvic floor improvement is not always best measured by a single dramatic change. Tracking specific symptoms may help you and your provider evaluate your progress more accurately.

Before treatment, consider recording:

• How frequently leakage occurs
• Activities that trigger leakage
• How often you use pads or protective products
• How frequently you use the bathroom
• Whether you wake during the night to urinate
• Which activities you currently avoid
• How symptoms affect work, exercise or social plans

A short bladder diary may also help identify patterns. HealthLink BC explains that a record of urination and leakage can provide useful information when assessing urinary incontinence.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Emsella Chair

Is Emsella painful?

Most clients describe tingling, vibration and strong muscle contractions rather than pain. The intensity can be adjusted during the treatment. Report any painful sensation immediately.

Do I need to undress?

No. Clients remain fully clothed while seated on the Emsella Chair.

How long is each treatment?

A typical Emsella session lasts approximately 30 minutes.

How many treatments are recommended?

Visage Rejuvenation generally recommends an initial series of six sessions scheduled twice a week for three weeks. Individual treatment plans may vary.

Can men use the Emsella Chair?

Yes. Emsella is intended for the treatment of male and female urinary incontinence. A consultation is required to determine suitability and whether another assessment is needed first.

Can Emsella replace pelvic floor physiotherapy?

Not necessarily. Pelvic health physiotherapy can assess muscle tension, strength, coordination, bladder habits and other factors that a chair-based treatment cannot fully evaluate. The two approaches may have different or complementary roles.

Will Emsella completely stop bladder leakage?

Results vary. Some clients experience meaningful improvement, but complete resolution cannot be guaranteed. Outcomes depend on the type and cause of incontinence, overall health, symptom severity and response to treatment.

How soon will I notice a difference?

Some clients notice changes during the initial treatment series, while others improve more gradually. It is generally best to assess results after completing the recommended plan.

Will I need maintenance sessions?

Maintenance needs vary. Your provider can monitor your response and recommend follow-up sessions if appropriate.

Explore Emsella Chair Treatment in Waterdown

Bladder leakage can be difficult to discuss, but it is a health concern that deserves professional attention and practical treatment options.

The Emsella Chair offers a non-invasive way to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles while the client remains fully clothed. With approximately 30-minute appointments and no scheduled downtime, it may be a convenient option for suitable women and men experiencing urinary incontinence.

Visage Rejuvenation offers personalized Emsella Chair treatment in Waterdown for clients from Waterdown, Burlington, Hamilton, Dundas, Ancaster and surrounding communities.

During your consultation, the Visage team will discuss your symptoms, medical history and treatment goals before determining whether Emsella is an appropriate option.

Call 905-690-8332, contact Visage Rejuvenation or book an Emsella appointment online to learn more about non-invasive pelvic floor strengthening.