Pelvipower_bio-feedback_training_EJPhysioThere is a new Swiss technology-driven treatment for increasingly common issues such as incontinence, pelvic girdle pain, sexual health/dysfunction, and back pain.

The treatment (called PelviPower) is conducted in the form of a customised therapy chair, where specific impulses (Magnetic Field Therapy, PFT) and high-accuracy sensors (Biofeedback Training, BFT) can target an individual’s particular issues whilst producing results that are measurable and can be replicated.

Conventional Approach

Until very recently, both clinicians and patients have been limited to abstract descriptions and poorly located/defined areas of symptoms, relying heavily on vague and subjective instructions to address various pelvic girdle complications; while most of these issues are often sensitive topics to discuss, and the physical assessment itself being quite intimidating as well. Understandably this has led to a general reluctance for both men and women discuss/seek treatment for their pelvic issues. The PelviPower system addresses these obstacles by providing precise real-time data to the clinician without any invasive procedures, and it also gives the patient a much better information and direction throughout the treatment process.

Incontinence

At least 30% of woman experience some degree of urinary leakage in their lifetime especially during and after pregnancy and soon after menopause as oestrogen levels decline. 1 in 4 women will avoid activities such as sports, going to the gym or daily social activities as a result. There is common misunderstanding that it is a normal or inevitable consequence of childbirth or ageing, when in fact it is an issue that needs to be addressed. Common forms of Incontinence include:

  • Stress incontinence: This is urinary leakage due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and tissues. It generally occurs when pressure on your bladder increases — such as when you exercise, laugh, sneeze, or cough.
  • Urge incontinence: You have a sudden, intense urge to urinate followed by an involuntary loss of urine. You may need to urinate often, including throughout the night.
  • Bowel Incontinence: Bowel (or faecal) incontinence is the inability to control bowel movements. Severity can range from an occasional leakage of stool while passing gas, to a complete loss of bowel control. Some people have recurring or chronic faecal incontinence.

Mens Health

A healthy pelvic floor muscle(s) can prevent incontinence, erectile dysfunction/premature ejaculation, complex pelvic girdle pain, and lower the incidence of back pain. Amongst men who require a prostatectomy, it is also imperative to optimise the pelvic floor muscle before and after the surgery to prevent these unwanted leakage and/or incontinence.

PelviPower Treatment

Pelvipower_magnetic_field_training_EJPhysioThe PelviPower treatment chair is currently utilised globally, and receiving excellent feedback from expert pelvic floor clinicians in leading-research areas such as Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Your clinician will conduct a thorough non-invasive examination with you, noting the subjective history, symptoms, and your particular goals/expectations from the treatment. You will then be asked to sit in the PelviPower chair so that your pelvic floor contractions can be assessed, and your clinician being provided with specific data about your contraction patterns. From there the clinician will be able to tailor an individualised treatment plan for your needs, which would typically involve 2-5 sessions per week of no more than 20 minutes in the chair per chair (depending on your situation). The entire process is conducted whilst fully-clothed, and is complete non-invasive.

My Conclusion

  • Convention/past diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor issues can be inaccurate, lacing specific focus
  • Can be a daunting and embarrassing process for the patient
  • A lack of awareness and support
  • PelviPower is non-invasive, relatively easy to use
  • The treatment is measured and can be replicated
  • Noticeable improvement within a short space of time
  • Guided by a trained clinician throughout the entire process

Exciting News!

You will have the opportunity to try PelviPower for yourself as this service will be available at our Hemel Hempstead practice from December 2019.

For more information please visit our PelviPower page, visit the PelviPower website or contact us for more information and how to book.

kelvin

Kelvin
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Blog post by Kelvin
Senior Physiotherapist at Emma James Physio