Emsella is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that utilizes High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to effectively strengthen the pelvic floor musculature and treat all types of urinary incontinence (stress, urge, and mixed). The entire procedure is unique in its simplicity and profound in its physiological effect, offering a significant and comfortable alternative to surgery or traditional, tedious Kegel exercises.
The Science Behind the Seat: HIFEM Technology
The core of the Emsella chair lies in its use of HIFEM (High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic) technology. This is the key element that differentiates it from older treatments like biofeedback or electrical stimulation.
- Mechanism of Action: The device, embedded within the seat, generates a concentrated electromagnetic field that deeply penetrates the pelvic floor muscles. This field bypasses the skin and fat, inducing strong electric currents within the targeted muscle tissue.
- Depolarization and Contraction: These currents cause the motor neurons in the pelvic floor to depolarize, instantly triggering a massive volume of muscle contractions. These are known as supramaximal contractions—meaning they are far more powerful and frequent than what your brain can consciously achieve, even with dedicated Kegel exercises.
- The "Workout": In a single 28-minute session, the Emsella chair delivers approximately 11,200 supramaximal contractions. This is an intense, forced workout that rapidly re-educates the neuromuscular control of the bladder and builds muscle strength and endurance in the supporting pelvic structures.
- Safety and Non-Invasiveness: Crucially, because the electromagnetic energy does not directly contact the skin, it avoids the risk of burns, nerve damage, or discomfort often associated with older forms of electrical stimulation. The patient remains completely clothed, ensuring privacy and convenience.
Step-by-Step Experience: What It Really Feels Like
The Emsella treatment is typically completed as a course of six sessions, scheduled twice a week for three weeks, though your provider will tailor the plan to your needs.
1. Preparation and Positioning
- Pre-Session: The most important preparation is simply to wear comfortable, loose clothing. Patients are strongly advised to remove all metallic items from the waist down, including belts, zippers, keys, and electronic devices, as the powerful electromagnetic energy can interfere with them.
- The Seat: You will be guided to sit on the Emsella chair, which resembles a large, modern armchair. You sit upright, ensuring your pelvic area is centered and fully in contact with the treatment surface.
- No Prep Required: There is no need for numbing cream, disrobing, or messy gels. The procedure is non-contact.
2. The Contraction Cycle (The Sensation)
- Beginning the Treatment: The clinician will start the device, usually beginning at a low-intensity setting and gradually increasing it based on your comfort and tolerance level.
- The Sensation: The immediate feeling is a profound tingling, pulsing, or vibrational sensation that travels deep into the pelvic area. It is intense but not considered painful by the vast majority of patients.
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The "Tugging" or "Pulling": As the intensity is increased, the supramaximal contractions kick in. You will feel a powerful, rhythmic tugging or pulling sensation deep in your pelvic floor muscles. It is the feeling of your muscles contracting with extreme force, like a heavy, involuntary Kegel exercise.
The contractions occur in a pattern: a few seconds of intense pulsing followed by a few seconds of rest. This rest period is essential to prevent muscle fatigue, just like interval training during a manual workout. - During the Session: For the entire 28 minutes, the chair does the work. You are free to relax, read a magazine, listen to music, or simply sit quietly. You are in constant communication with the technician, who will maintain the intensity at the highest level you can comfortably tolerate to maximize results.
3. Post-Treatment and Results
- No Downtime: As soon as the 28 minutes are over, the sensation immediately stops. You can stand up, walk out, and resume your normal activities immediately—including driving, working out, or going back to the office. There is zero downtime.
- Post-Treatment Feeling: It is common to feel a mild sense of muscle fatigue or "heaviness" in the pelvic area, similar to how your legs feel after a strenuous run. This is a sign the muscles have been intensely worked and usually subsides within a few hours.
When to See Results
- Early: Many patients report a noticeable improvement in bladder control, a reduction in leakage episodes, or less urinary urgency after just 1 to 2 sessions.
- Optimal: Maximum results are typically observed several weeks after completing the full six-session treatment course. This is because muscle tissue and nerve pathways require time to build strength and regain control.
- Long-Term: Clinical studies have shown results are often sustained for 6 to 12 months or longer, with maintenance sessions recommended periodically to preserve the muscle tone.
Clinical Efficacy and Benefits
Emsella is backed by numerous clinical studies that have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating urinary incontinence.
Significant Symptom Improvement
Dramatically reduces or eliminates involuntary urine leakage associated with coughing, sneezing, laughing, or physical activity (Stress UI).
Studies show that 95% of patients report a significant improvement in their quality of life after a treatment series.
Pad Reduction/Elimination
Reduces dependence on hygienic pads.
Approximately 67% of treated patients reported a reduction in, or total elimination of, the use of sanitary pads.
Neuromuscular Control
The HIFEM technology not only strengthens the muscle fibers but also restores the communication between the nerves and the muscles, which is key to long-term continence.
Urodynamic studies show an increase in Maximum Urethral Closure Pressure (MUCP) after treatment, confirming improved structural support.
