Bladder leaks when you laugh, cough, or exercise can be frustrating. Whether these symptoms developed after childbirth, during menopause, or following prostate surgery, they may be linked to changes in pelvic floor muscle function. These concerns can also affect confidence, comfort, and everyday activities.
The Emsella chair treatment is a non-surgical option that stimulates the pelvic floor muscles without requiring patients to undress or do exercises manually.
At Corelife Wellness in Oakville, Ontario, pelvic health services support women and men with bladder control concerns and pelvic floor weakness.
If you’re considering Emsella treatment, understanding what happens before, during, and after an appointment can help you feel more prepared.
What Is the Emsella Chair and How Does It Work?
The Emsella chair, sometimes called a Kegel chair or pelvic floor chair, uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate contractions in pelvic floor muscles.
These contractions engage muscles involved in bladder control and pelvic support.
Unlike traditional Kegel exercises, which require you to contract and relax specific muscles voluntarily, Emsella produces contractions through electromagnetic stimulation.
The treatment is commonly considered for people experiencing:
- Stress urinary incontinence, including leaks during coughing or exercise
- Pelvic floor muscle weakness after childbirth
- Bladder control changes associated with ageing
- Certain urinary symptoms following prostate surgery
- Difficulty performing voluntary pelvic floor contractions
Emsella isn’t right for everyone, and treatment suitability depends on your symptoms, medical history, and clinical assessment.
What Happens Before Your First Emsella Treatment?
Your first appointment should begin with a discussion about your pelvic health concerns and treatment goals.
A clinician may ask about your bladder symptoms, previous pregnancies, pelvic surgeries, current medications, and relevant medical conditions.
This assessment helps determine whether Emsella is suitable or whether another approach, such as pelvic floor physiotherapy, should be considered.
Preparing for your appointment
Preparation is generally straightforward:
- Wear comfortable clothing without substantial metal accessories.
- Remove metallic objects as your provider instructs.
- Use the washroom beforehand if needed.
- Inform your clinician about implanted medical devices, pregnancy, or other relevant conditions.
You typically do not need to change into a medical gown.
What Does an Emsella Chair Session Feel Like?
During treatment, you sit fully clothed on the chair while the electromagnetic technology stimulates your pelvic floor muscles.
You may notice rhythmic contractions, tingling, or a tapping sensation around the pelvic region.
We can adjust the intensity to your comfort and tolerance.
Although the sensation may feel unfamiliar initially, the procedure does not involve needles, incisions, or internal probes.
A typical session lasts approximately 28 minutes.
Typical Emsella treatment experience
|
Stage |
What to expect |
|
Before treatment |
Review symptoms and safety considerations |
|
Getting seated |
Remain clothed and sit on the treatment chair |
|
During treatment |
Experience comfortable repeated pelvic floor contractions |
|
Session duration |
Approximately 28 minutes |
|
Afterwards |
Return to normal daily activities |
Some people experience temporary muscle fatigue or mild discomfort afterward, but they usually don’t need much recovery time.
Does Emsella Chair Treatment Actually Work?
Research suggests electromagnetic pelvic floor stimulation may improve urinary incontinence symptoms in selected patients. However, outcomes vary, and available studies have limitations.
A 2019 study by Samuels and colleagues, published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, evaluated high-intensity focused electromagnetic stimulation in women experiencing urinary incontinence.
The researchers reported improvements in urinary incontinence questionnaire scores following treatment.
These findings are encouraging, although the study’s design and follow-up limitations mean they should not be interpreted as evidence of guaranteed or permanent results.
Emsella may form part of a broader pelvic health management plan rather than replacing clinical assessment or established first-line treatments.
How Many Emsella Sessions Will You Need?
A commonly studied Emsella treatment schedule involves six sessions over approximately three weeks.
However, the right number of appointments depends on symptom severity, pelvic floor function, and how you respond.
A 2025 study, Effect of High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Technology in the Treatment of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence, examined 20 women who received six HIFEM sessions.
Researchers reported improvements in leakage measurements and symptom questionnaires at follow-up. However, the small sample size limits how confidently these findings can be applied to everyone.
Patients should discuss realistic expectations and whether additional treatment or ongoing exercises may be beneficial.
What Happens After an Emsella Treatment?
Most patients can resume everyday activities shortly after treatment.
There are no incisions, dressings, or special recovery procedures.
However, improvements in bladder control may develop gradually rather than immediately.
Your clinician may recommend other behavioural treatments and monitoring leakage frequency, bathroom habits, and symptom changes throughout your treatment programme.
Can Emsella Be Combined With Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?
Yes. Depending on your assessment, electromagnetic stimulation may complement supervised pelvic floor exercises and physiotherapy.
A 2026 comparative study of 99 postmenopausal women compared Emsella alone with Emsella combined with structured Kegel exercises.
Both groups improved, but the combined-treatment group improved more over three months. The findings support further investigation of combined approaches, although they do not establish superiority for every patient.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy remains an important treatment option, particularly when symptoms involve coordination difficulties, pain, or muscle overactivity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emsella Treatment
Is Emsella Painful?
Most people describe muscle contractions or tingling, not pain. Tell your clinician if treatment becomes uncomfortable.
Can Men Receive Emsella Treatment?
Yes. Emsella for men may be considered for certain bladder control concerns, including after prostate surgery. Evidence for erectile dysfunction treatment is more limited.
Is Emsella Safe After Childbirth?
Suitability depends on postpartum recovery, symptoms, and medical history. We recommend a pelvic health assessment before starting treatment.
How Much Does Emsella Chair Treatment Cost?
Emsella treatment costs in Ontario vary by clinic, number of sessions, and treatment package. Request a personalised quotation and ask about insurance eligibility before booking.
Take the Next Step Towards Better Pelvic Health in Oakville
If bladder leaks or pelvic floor weakness are affecting your routine, professional assessment can help you understand your treatment options.
Corelife Wellness, located at 3075 Hospital Gate in Oakville, serves patients from Burlington, Milton, Mississauga, and Georgetown/Halton Hills.
Visit Corelife Wellness to learn more about Emsella chair treatment and enquire about an appointment to discuss your pelvic health concerns.