From the Research
There is limited direct evidence that Emsella works for treating urinary incontinence, but the most recent and highest quality study on pelvic floor muscle training, which is a related concept, suggests that it can be effective in improving symptoms of urinary incontinence. The study by 1 found that pelvic floor muscle training can cure or improve symptoms of stress urinary incontinence and other types of urinary incontinence, and can reduce the number of leakage episodes and improve quality of life. While Emsella uses a different technology, its mechanism of action is similar in that it aims to strengthen and re-educate the pelvic floor muscles.
Key Points
- Pelvic floor muscle training has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms of urinary incontinence 1
- Emsella uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology to stimulate pelvic floor muscles, which is a different approach but with a similar goal of strengthening and re-educating the muscles
- The treatment typically involves sitting fully clothed on the Emsella chair for about 30 minutes per session, with a recommended protocol of six sessions over three weeks (twice weekly)
- Some patients may benefit from maintenance sessions every 6-12 months to sustain results
- Emsella is generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects, but may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with metal implants, pacemakers, or certain medical conditions
Considerations
- The evidence for Emsella is limited, and more studies are needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety
- Pelvic floor muscle training, which is a related concept, has been shown to be effective in improving symptoms of urinary incontinence, and Emsella may be a useful alternative or adjunct to this type of training
- Patients should discuss the potential benefits and risks of Emsella with their healthcare provider to determine if it is a suitable treatment option for their individual needs.