As we age and experience life, the symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction may become more evident and affect our quality of life. Here are some of the most common causes of pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Pregnancy and childbirth: The muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor can be stretched and weakened during pregnancy and childbirth, leading to dysfunction.
- Aging: As people age, the muscles and tissues of the pelvic floor can naturally weaken, increasing the risk of dysfunction.
- Chronic constipation: Straining during bowel movements can put excessive pressure on the pelvic floor muscles and lead to dysfunction.
- Chronic coughing: Frequent and forceful coughing can also place strain on the pelvic floor muscles and lead to dysfunction.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight can put additional pressure on the pelvic floor and contribute to dysfunction.
- Hormonal changes: A decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can lead to a loss of muscle tone and contribute to pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Pelvic surgery: Surgical procedures in the pelvic area, such as hysterectomy or prostate surgery, can damage or weaken the pelvic floor muscles.
- Pelvic trauma or injury: Trauma to the pelvic area, such as a fall or accident, can damage the pelvic floor muscles and lead to dysfunction.
Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction may include:
- Pelvic pain or discomfort: Persistent pain or pressure in the pelvic region, which may worsen with activities such as sitting, standing, or intercourse.
- Urinary symptoms: Increased urgency to urinate, frequent trips to the bathroom, difficulty starting or stopping urination, or leaking urine (incontinence).
- Bowel symptoms: Difficulty passing stool, constipation, or urgency to defecate.
- Sexual dysfunction: Pain or discomfort during intercourse, decreased libido, or difficulty achieving orgasm.
- Muscle spasms: Uncontrolled or involuntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, leading to pain or discomfort.
- Lower back, hip, or groin pain: Discomfort or pain in these areas, which may be associated with pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Abdominal pain: Sensation of pressure or pain in the lower abdomen, often aggravated by movement or certain activities.
- Sensation of heaviness or bulging: Feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic region, sometimes described as an “organ prolapse” sensation.
- Pain in the perineum or rectum: Discomfort or tenderness in the area between the genitals and anus, or around the rectum.
Unfortunately, the above symptoms will not remedy themselves.
The muscle of the pelvic floor needs to be supported or strengthened to experience a decrease in symptoms. Many people are not candidates or willing to undergo surgery and for those, we offer an alternative: The Emsella Chair.
What’s the Emsella Chair?
The Emsella Chair is a non-invasive medical device designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. It uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology, which delivers electromagnetic energy to the pelvic floor muscles. The chair emits thousands of supramaximal contractions during a treatment session, which are stronger than regular voluntary contractions that can be achieved with exercise alone.
The Emsella Chair stimulates the pelvic floor muscles, including the muscles surrounding the bladder, urethra, and rectum. These muscles are important in maintaining bladder and bowel control and supporting the organs in the pelvic area.
The electromagnetic energy from the chair induces deep pelvic floor muscle contractions that are not typically achievable through traditional exercises. These intense contractions lead to muscle remodelling and strengthening, improving muscle tone and function.
By strengthening the pelvic floor, the Emsella Chair can help reduce or eliminate symptoms of urinary incontinence, improve bladder control, enhance sexual satisfaction, and support overall pelvic health. If you live in Windsor-Essex, southwestern Ontario or even in the Metro Detroit area, we invite you to reach out to us for a consultation. 519-970-9006
