Key Takeaways
- Bladder leaks are usually linked to a weakened pelvic floor, and that weakness can be improved.
- Incontinence generally falls into three categories: stress, urge, and mixed.
- BTL Emsella uses HIFEM® technology to produce thousands of muscle contractions in about 28 minutes.
- No undressing, no needles, and no downtime: you can go about your day right after.
- People with metal implants, heart disorders, tumours, or a pregnancy should not have Emsella.
About Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence simply means losing control of your bladder and leaking urine when you don’t intend to. One of the most common reasons is a weak pelvic floor, the group of muscles responsible for holding your pelvic organs in place and keeping the bladder closed until you’re ready.
Both men and women experience it, and it often affects more than just the bladder. Many people start avoiding workouts, long outings, or even a good laugh with friends. Our Emsella chair treatment at Markham Vitality Health targets the muscle weakness behind these symptoms.
The Three Types of Urinary Incontinence
Knowing what kind of leakage you have makes it easier to choose the right approach. Most cases of urinary incontinence fit into one of these groups:
- Stress incontinence: Leaks triggered by pressure on the bladder, such as during a cough, sneeze, laugh, or workout.
- Urge incontinence: A strong, sudden need to urinate that often comes on many times a day and is hard to hold back.
- Mixed incontinence: Symptoms of both stress and urge incontinence happening together.
What Causes the Pelvic Floor to Weaken?
The pelvic floor can lose strength as the body goes through certain changes. Some of the most common contributors are:
- Giving birth vaginally
- Going through menopause
- Getting older
Because weak muscles are often the root of the problem, rebuilding their strength is key to improving symptoms. Changes in daily habits and regular Kegel exercises can help, and for people who want a more effective boost, Emsella provides a non-invasive alternative.
Learn the Terms
You’ll likely hear a few specific terms during your consultation. Here’s what they mean:
- Pelvic floor: A bowl-shaped layer of muscle at the base of the pelvis that holds up the bladder, rectum, and uterus.
- Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels): Movements that tighten and strengthen the pelvic floor. Practised regularly, Kegel exercises can help reduce or prevent leaks.
- Bladder training: A behavioural technique that gradually stretches the time between bathroom visits, so you go on your own schedule instead of reacting to a sudden urge.
How BTL Emsella Works
BTL Emsella is a HIFEM® (high-intensity focused electromagnetic) treatment. It sends high-frequency electromagnetic energy into the pelvic area, causing the pelvic floor muscles to contract without any incisions, needles, or internal probes. Each contraction works much like a Kegel.
The difference is depth and volume. Emsella reaches and activates the entire pelvic floor, producing thousands of strong contractions in one session, far more than anyone could manage on their own. This repeated activity helps rebuild muscle strength and retrains how those muscles respond. For more on the overall benefits, read our article on Emsella as a non-surgical way to strengthen your pelvic floor.
What to Expect During the Treatment
There’s no need to change into a gown, as you stay dressed the entire time. Loose, comfortable clothes are best because they make it easier to sit in the right position. Once the chair is turned on, you’ll notice a gentle tingling or buzzing in the pelvic area that soon builds into full muscle contractions.
The experience should stay comfortable throughout. If the intensity feels too strong, just tell your provider and they’ll adjust it for you. The session lasts about 28 minutes, which leaves plenty of time to unwind, flip through a magazine, or watch TV. When it’s over, you can head straight back to work or your usual routine.
Patient Positioning: Step by Step
Sitting correctly on the chair helps the energy reach the right muscles. Your provider will walk you through it, but here’s the general process:
- Settle into the middle of the chair.
- Have the chair height adjusted so you’re in the proper treatment position. Your provider will take care of this.
- Place your feet flat on the floor at roughly shoulder width, which differs slightly for each person.
- Bend your knees to about 90 degrees, keeping them just above your feet and turned slightly outward.
- Bring your pelvis toward the centre of the seat, tilting forward or back as needed to find the right angle.
- Sit up with a straight back and let your hands rest on your thighs.
- During the first minute, pay attention to where you feel the tapping. It should be centred on the perineum. If not, shift forward, backward, or to the side until it is.
Additional Patient Facts
These small details can make each session more effective:
- Sit upright without leaning back or slouching.
- Keep both feet planted on the floor.
- Avoid crossing your legs, pressing them together, or spreading them too wide.
- Take off jewellery, watches, and belts, and empty your pockets of coins, cards, and wallets.
- Keep your phone and other electronic devices away from the chair.
- Choose comfortable clothing that won’t restrict your position.
BTL Emsella Is Not for You If You Have:
Emsella is non-invasive, but it isn’t the right choice for everyone. The treatment should be avoided if you have:
- Metal implants
- A pregnancy
- A tumour
- A heart disorder
This list doesn’t cover every possible contraindication, so be sure to review your full health history with your provider before starting. Our FAQ page also covers many common questions about treatment.
Book Your Emsella Treatment in Markham
Bladder leaks are common, but they don’t have to be permanent. Emsella gives both men and women a comfortable, surgery-free way to strengthen the pelvic floor and feel more in control again.
Visit Markham Vitality Health at 7155 Woodbine Ave #130, Markham, ON L3R 1A3, or call us at 905-475-2353. You can also book your appointment online and find out if Emsella is a good fit for you.