Emsella Chair vs Traditional Pelvic Floor Therapy: What Works Best?
Emsella Chair vs Traditional Pelvic Floor Therapy is one of the most common comparisons people make when deciding how to treat urinary incontinence and pelvic floor weakness. Bladder leaks or a weakened pelvic floor can feel frustrating and even isolating. Many people try traditional pelvic floor exercises but struggle to see results. The Emsella Chair offers a modern, non-invasive solution that works differently, but how does it compare to pelvic floor physical therapy? Let’s break down both options so you can choose the treatment that best supports your health and lifestyle.
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Why Pelvic Floor Health Matters
Patients often ask which is more effective: Emsella Chair vs Traditional Pelvic Floor Therapy. Your pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support your bladder, bowel, and pelvic organs. When these muscles weaken, you may notice:
- Leakage of urine when coughing, sneezing, or exercising
- Sudden urgency and overactive bladder symptoms
- A heavy or weak feeling in the pelvic region
- Reduced sexual function or intimacy concerns
Strengthening these muscles improves bladder control, confidence, and overall quality of life. Two of the most common treatment options are traditional pelvic floor therapy and the Emsella Chair.
What Is the Emsella Chair Treatment?
Emsella Chair vs Traditional Pelvic Floor Therapy. The Emsella Chair is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment designed to strengthen the pelvic floor. Using high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy, the device stimulates deep muscles with thousands of contractions in a single session.
- One session equals about 11,000 Kegels
- You remain fully clothed during treatment
- Each session lasts 30 minutes
- Clinical studies show significant improvement in urinary incontinence and pelvic muscle strength
Expert insight: About 30% of women are unable to correctly activate their pelvic floor muscles when doing Kegels. The Emsella bypasses this challenge by engaging the muscles for you.
Who Benefits Most from the Emsella Chair?
Emsella Chair vs Traditional Pelvic Floor Therapy. Emsella can help men and women of all ages, especially those dealing with:
- Postpartum pelvic floor weakness
- Menopause-related pelvic dysfunction
- Stress incontinence (leakage when coughing, laughing, or exercising)
- Urge incontinence (overactive bladder)
- Post-prostate surgery recovery
- Difficulty performing Kegels correctly
At Express Med Spa, we’ve seen patients regain confidence, restore bladder control, and improve pelvic health with this treatment.
According to the Mayo Clinic, pelvic floor therapy remains a cornerstone in treating urinary incontinence.
Benefits of the Emsella Chair
Stronger Muscles in Less Time
Each 30-minute session delivers thousands of contractions to both slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers, helping you build strength more quickly than exercise alone.
Convenient and Time Efficient
Treatment requires no preparation, no downtime, and no recovery. You can walk out and return to your day immediately.
Comfortable and Non-Invasive
You remain fully clothed during treatment, and most patients feel only a tingling or tapping sensation.
Clinically Proven Results
A study published in Neurourology and Urodynamics reported that patients reduced incontinence episodes by over 75% after six Emsella sessions.
Improved Confidence and Quality of Life
Patients report laughing, exercising, and enjoying intimacy again without worry of leaks.
Cons of the Emsella Chair
- Higher upfront cost than traditional therapy
- Requires multiple sessions and maintenance every 6–12 months
- Not suitable for people with pacemakers, metal implants, or advanced prolapse
What to Expect During an Emsella Session
- Consultation with a provider to review your symptoms and goals
- Sit fully clothed in the chair while electromagnetic pulses stimulate the pelvic muscles
- Sessions last 30 minutes, scheduled twice a week for about six visits
- Most patients see improvement after 2–3 sessions, with maximum results after completing the plan
- No downtime, you can immediately return to daily activities
What Is Traditional Pelvic Floor Therapy?
Emsella Chair vs Traditional Pelvic Floor Therapy. Pelvic floor therapy is often the first treatment option. Guided by a physical therapist, you’ll learn how to:
- Perform Kegels correctly
- Use biofeedback to track muscle activation
- Sometimes use mild electrical stimulation to encourage contractions
Benefits of Traditional Therapy
- Lower cost compared to Emsella
- Often covered by insurance
- Teaches valuable self-care skills
- Effective for mild pelvic floor dysfunction
Cons of Traditional Therapy
- Requires long-term discipline and daily exercises
- Results are slower than with Emsella
- Many patients perform Kegels incorrectly
- Less effective for moderate to severe incontinence
Emsella Chair vs Traditional Pelvic Floor Therapy: Key Differences
| Treatment | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Kegels / Physical Therapy | Low cost, at-home exercises, covered by insurance | Slower results, often done incorrectly, less effective for severe cases |
| Emsella Chair | Fast results, non-invasive, 11,000 Kegels per session, clinically proven | Higher cost, requires multiple sessions, not for patients with metal implants |
FAQs About Emsella Chair vs Pelvic Floor Therapy
Is the Emsella Chair better than Kegels?
For many patients, yes. Emsella provides thousands of contractions in one session, while Kegels depend on consistency and correct technique.
How long do results last?
With a full series of six sessions, results may last 6-12 months. Maintenance every few months helps extend improvements.
Is Emsella safe?
Yes. The chair is FDA-cleared, and side effects are minimal (temporary tingling or soreness).
Does insurance cover it?
Pelvic floor therapy may be covered. Emsella is usually elective and not covered by insurance.
Give Your Pelvic Floor the Care It Deserves
Both traditional therapy and the Emsella Chair have value, but if you’re looking for a faster, non-invasive solution with measurable results, Emsella may be the right choice.
At Express Med Spa, we provide personalized Emsella treatment plans designed to restore confidence and pelvic health. Book your consultation today and discover whether the Emsella Chair or traditional therapy is best for you.