What Is EMSELLA?

EMSELLA is a comfortable, chair-based treatment that uses focused electromagnetic energy to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. You sit fully clothed for about 28 minutes while the device delivers thousands of deep muscle contractions that are difficult to perform on your own.

EMSELLA is FDA-cleared for treating urinary incontinence. Many people also report improvements in bowel control, sexual wellness, and overall pelvic stability as their muscles get stronger.

How the Technology Works (HIFEM)

EMSELLA uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology. HIFEM safely activates the pelvic floor to create powerful, repeated contractions (often described as “Kegels on autopilot”). Over a series of sessions, this improves muscle strength and neuromuscular control that help support the bladder, bowel, and pelvic organs.

What Pelvic Floor Strengthening Helps

Urinary Incontinence

Strengthening the pelvic floor reduces bladder leaks.

Evidence: Peer-reviewed studies of HIFEM report benefits across stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence, with decreased pad use and quality-of-life scores. ^{[ 1][ 2]}  EMSELLA treatments are comparable to anterior colporrhaphy with the added benefit of no down time and no pain. ^{[ 7]}

Fecal Incontinence

Chair-based magnetic stimulation of the pelvic floor has shown meaningful improvements in fecal incontinence scores and quality of life in prospective studies. ^{[ 3][ 4]}

Sexual Health

In women, stronger pelvic floor muscles are linked with better arousal, lubrication, orgasm, overall sexual satisfaction, and less

 intercourse discomfort.  A randomized study reported higher Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores when HIFEM was added to exercises compared with exercises alone. ^{[ 5]}

In men, pelvic floor training resulted in improved erectile function (stiffer erections) and more control in randomized trials; early HIFEM studies are emerging. ^{[ 6]}

Low Back Health

The pelvic floor works with your deep core (diaphragm, transverse abdominis, and multifidus) to stabilize the spine. Studies show HIFEM and pelvic floor training improve pelvic floor strength and core function—factors that can support posture and reduce strain on the lower back. ^[2][5]

Treatment Plan and What to Expect

Typical Protocol

• Six treatments twice weekly spaced 2–4 days apart 
• Each session is 28 minutes.
• You may need additional treatments depending on the severity of your condition.
• Results typically continue to improve over the next few weeks after your last session.

What Does It Feel Like?

• No anesthetic is required and treatments are typically not painful.
• Most people feel a gradually increasing tingling sensation and strong but tolerable muscle contractions in the pelvic area—this is normal and expected.

What Should I Wear?

• You remain fully clothed during the treatment.
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy positioning on the chair.
• Dress pants, jeans, yoga pants, tights, or sweat pants are preferred.
• Skirts and dresses are not recommended.
• If needed, we can provide disposable shorts.

Who Is a Good Candidate for EMSELLA?

• Women or men with urinary incontinence / bladder leaks (stress, urge, or mixed types)
• People with bowel control concerns.
• Anyone seeking stronger pelvic support.
• Men whose erections are not as stiff as they used to be or who want to improve control during intercourse.
• Women who want to improve sexuall health with with better arousal, lubrication, orgasm, overall sexual satisfaction, and lessen  intercourse discomfort.
• Postpartum pelvic floor weakness (generally after you’ve healed; it's best to wait 3–6 months after childbirth)

Price

Six-session series: $1,500

Safety Information and Contraindications

BTL EMSELLA is intended to provide entirely non-invasive electromagnetic stimulation of the pelvic floor musculature for the purpose of rehabilitation of weak pelvic muscles and restoration of neuromuscular control.

Contraindications include (not a complete list):

• Metal implants or large metal devices near the treatment area (for example, a hip replacement)
• Pacemakers, defibrillators, or implanted electronic devices
• Tumors near the treatment area
• Pregnancy

Key Research (Selected)

1. HIFEM improves stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence: Samuels JB et al., 2019. Safety and Efficacy of a Non-Invasive High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Device. Read study.
2. Prospective HIFEM data for urinary leakage: Long CY et al., 2024. Effect of HIFEM in female stress urinary incontinence; 6 sessions twice weekly. Read study.
3. HIFEM vs. electrostimulation (pelvic floor strength): Silantyeva E et al., 2021. HIFEM more effective than electrostimulation for weakened pelvic floor with UI. Read study.
4. Magnetic stimulation for fecal incontinence: Brusciano L et al., 2020. Extracorporeal magnetic stimulation improved FI scores and quality of life. Read study.
5. Women’s sexual function (FSFI): Elgayar SL et al., 2024. Combined effects of HIFEM therapy on pelvic floor strength and sexual function; improved FSFI domains. Read study and journal page here.
6. Men: pelvic floor training improves erectile function (PFMT RCT): Dorey G et al., 2004. Randomised controlled trial of pelvic floor muscle exercises for erectile dysfunction. Read study.
7. EMSELLA vs. anterior colporrhaphy (comparative, 2025): Sacarin G et al., 2025. EMSella therapy compared with surgical repair in women with UI and grade 2 cystocele; significant improvements in strength, control, and quality-of-life measures; surgery showed greater anatomic correction, EMSELLA had faster recovery and favorable safety. Read study and PubMed entry.

Note: Early studies and clinician reports suggest EMSELLA may also improve erections and ejaculation in men; high-quality, sham-controlled publications are still emerging. We’re happy to discuss the latest evidence at your visit.


© Dr. John W Phelts, D.C. / Phelts Chiropractic PC — EMSELLA® is a registered trademark of BTL Industries.