By Shannon Pacella, PT, DPT
Pelvic health is an essential part of overall well-being, yet it's an area often overlooked in traditional healthcare. Many individuals experience pelvic floor dysfunction—manifesting as incontinence, pelvic pain, or sexual dysfunction—but aren’t always aware of the best treatment options available. In recent years, technologies like the Emsella chair have gained attention for their ability to treat pelvic floor issues. However, while the Emsella chair offers certain benefits, pelvic floor physical therapy is a more comprehensive, holistic, and effective solution for addressing pelvic floor concerns.
Here’s why pelvic floor physical therapy is better than the Emsella chair.
1. Personalized Treatment Plan with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
One of the biggest advantages of pelvic floor physical therapy is its personalized approach. During a pelvic PT session, a licensed and experienced therapist conducts an in-depth evaluation of the individual’s pelvic floor health. This includes assessing posture, movement patterns, muscle strength, and flexibility, which allows the therapist to tailor a treatment plan specific to the individual’s needs.
In contrast, the Emsella chair, though effective in some cases, is a one-size-fits-all device that administers electromagnetic pulses to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles. While it can help with certain issues like urinary incontinence, it doesn’t address the underlying factors contributing to pelvic floor dysfunction in a personalized way. Pelvic floor physical therapy, on the other hand, takes a holistic approach, considering all aspects of a person’s lifestyle and body mechanics.
2. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Provides Comprehensive Treatment for a Variety of Conditions
Pelvic floor physical therapy treats a wide array of pelvic floor disorders, from incontinence and pelvic pain to prolapse, sexual dysfunction, and postpartum rehabilitation. Therapists use various manual techniques, biofeedback, behavioral therapy, and exercises to address these conditions. This comprehensive approach is beneficial for individuals dealing with multiple pelvic health issues simultaneously.
The Emsella chair, while effective for treating urinary incontinence and strengthening pelvic muscles, focuses mainly on muscle stimulation. It does not address issues like pelvic pain, muscle imbalances, or postural alignment—factors that can also contribute to pelvic dysfunction. Pelvic physical therapy, on the other hand, is versatile and can be customized to treat a wide variety of symptoms, offering long-term relief and overall improvement.
3. Long-Term Results with Active Participation
Pelvic floor physical therapy emphasizes education and empowerment. Through therapy, individuals learn how to activate and control their pelvic muscles, understand the anatomy of their pelvic region, and adopt strategies to improve their health long-term. This can include exercises such as Kegels, pelvic floor stretches, diaphragmatic breathing, posture correction, and lifestyle changes.
Patients actively participate in their recovery, which helps them maintain results beyond the therapy sessions. Over time, this active involvement strengthens the pelvic floor muscles and teaches individuals how to avoid the behaviors that contribute to dysfunction.
While the Emsella chair can deliver temporary results by stimulating muscle contractions, the device does not require any patient engagement. For long-lasting improvement, individuals must incorporate other strategies outside of the chair’s treatments—something that pelvic floor physical therapy naturally integrates.
4. No Risk of Side Effects with Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free, and low-risk treatment option. The therapist employs hands-on techniques, manual therapy, and guided exercises to address the problem. These interventions are carefully monitored, ensuring the safety and comfort of the patient. Any discomfort or complications can be addressed immediately by the therapist, who can adjust the treatment based on feedback.
On the other hand, while the Emsella chair is generally considered safe, it is not free from potential side effects. Some users report discomfort, muscle soreness, or skin irritation during or after treatment. Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions (such as pregnancy or pacemakers) may not be able to use the device.
5. Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Treats the Root Cause, Not Just the Symptoms
One of the most significant drawbacks of the Emsella chair is that it primarily focuses on strengthening pelvic muscles. While this is important, it doesn’t address the root causes of pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor physical therapy, however, can assess the underlying factors contributing to the dysfunction, such as muscle imbalances, poor posture, or even trauma.
For example, pelvic floor physical therapists can identify whether certain muscles are overactive or underactive, creating dysfunction in the pelvic floor. They can also provide manual therapy to release tension and treat muscle spasms, or suggest modifications to daily habits that may exacerbate the problem, like poor lifting techniques or improper posture. By addressing these factors, pelvic floor physical therapy works toward long-term recovery and prevention of future issues.
6. Holistic Approach to Pelvic Health
Pelvic floor physical therapy does not only focus on the pelvic region. A skilled therapist will also consider factors such as the abdomen, lower back, and hips—regions that often influence pelvic floor function. For example, a tight hip flexor or lower back issue can contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction. By treating the entire body and its interconnected systems, pelvic floor physical therapy offers a more well-rounded approach to healing.
The Emsella chair, on the other hand, is limited to the pelvic area. It does not take into account how the rest of the body’s alignment, posture, and movement patterns impact pelvic health. Thus, while it can offer some benefits, it cannot address the full spectrum of issues affecting the pelvic region.
Why Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Wins - And the Emsella Chair Comes Up Short
Pelvic floor physical therapy is a proven, comprehensive, and individualized treatment option that addresses the root causes of pelvic floor dysfunction, rather than simply providing temporary relief. By offering personalized care, targeting a wide range of pelvic conditions, and empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery, pelvic floor physical therapy provides long-lasting results with minimal risk.
While the Emsella chair may be helpful in certain cases, it lacks the holistic and adaptable approach of pelvic floor physical therapy. For those seeking a thorough and sustainable solution to pelvic health concerns, pelvic floor physical therapy is undoubtedly the better option.
Seeking Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Care
If you have been experiencing any pelvic floor concerns such as pelvic pain, urinary symptoms (incontinence/leakage, urgency, frequency), bowel symptoms (constipation, difficulty emptying, incontinence), or sexual dysfunction - pelvic floor physical therapy may help! Reach out to us at Wellest Health to learn more about how we can help you!
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