BTL Emsella® Chair in Burnaby, BC
Pelvic floor muscle stimulation while seated and fully clothed
Emsella uses HIFEM® energy to make the pelvic floor muscles contract during a 28-minute seated session. You stay fully clothed, with no probes or gels. A physician assessment at our Metrotown clinic decides whether it suits you.
- 28 min
- Per session · fully clothed
- 6 sessions
- Typical course, twice a week
- No downtime
- Back to your day straight after
- 28 min
- Per session · fully clothed
- 6 sessions
- Typical course, twice a week
- No downtime
- Back to your day straight after
What Is the Emsella Chair and How Does It Work?
Emsella is a non-invasive chair that uses HIFEM energy to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles, with no undressing or probes. At Skin Art MD in Burnaby (Metrotown), a physician assessment decides whether it suits you, and a typical plan is a series of 28-minute seated sessions.
HIFEM energy passes through clothing and makes the pelvic floor muscles contract thousands of times in one session, more strongly than most people can manage with voluntary Kegel exercises. The aim is stronger pelvic floor muscles and better control. A typical course is 6 sessions, twice a week for 3 weeks. Many people notice a change partway through the course, and improvement may keep building for several weeks afterwards. Individual results vary.
Fully Clothed
Walk in, sit down, walk out. No need to undress, and no gels or probes.
Strong Muscle Stimulation
The chair produces thousands of pelvic floor contractions in one session, more than most people can do voluntarily.
Physician-Led Care
Used by our physicians for people with pelvic floor weakness, after assessment of their symptoms.
How Does HIFEM® Work?
High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic energy reaches the pelvic floor muscles.
Electromagnetic energy through clothing
The chair sends focused electromagnetic pulses through clothing to the pelvic floor area. Nothing touches the skin and nothing is inserted.
Strong involuntary contractions
The pulses make the pelvic floor muscles contract thousands of times in one session, more strongly than most people can manage with voluntary Kegel exercises.
Muscle strength and control
Repeated contractions are intended to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve how well you can engage them.
Gradual change over a course
Any change builds over a course of sessions rather than after one visit. Response varies from person to person.
Who Is Emsella Considered For?
Emsella is generally discussed for adults with pelvic floor weakness. A physician assessment decides suitability.
Often Discussed For
- +Women with stress urinary incontinence symptoms
- +Post-partum mothers with pelvic floor weakness
- +Menopausal women with urinary issues
- +Men recovering from prostate surgery, once their surgeon or physician agrees
- +People with pelvic floor weakness
- +Those wanting preventative pelvic health care
May Not Be Suitable
- –Pregnancy
- –A pacemaker, defibrillator or other electronic implant
- –Metal implants in the pelvic or hip area
- –A copper IUD (intrauterine device): tell us first so the physician can check
- –An active urinary tract or other infection in the area, until it has cleared
- –Anyone expecting immediate results: change builds over a course of sessions
Physician-Led Care
Pelvic health is part of overall wellness, and plans start with a physician assessment. Consultations are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Whole-Picture Assessment
A physician reviews factors that may contribute to your symptoms, including hormonal health, before recommending a plan.
Private & Comfortable
Treatments take place in a private room, and you can read or relax during your 28-minute session.
Language Access
Pelvic health can be easier to discuss in your own language. Consultations and follow-up are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Progress Review
We review your progress at follow-up so your plan can be adjusted.
Which Concerns Is Emsella Used For?
Emsella is discussed in the context of pelvic floor weakness. Your physician will advise whether it is appropriate.
Post-Partum Recovery
Pelvic floor weakness that can follow pregnancy and childbirth.
Menopause
Urinary leakage that can occur with ageing and hormonal change.
Men's Pelvic Health
Pelvic floor weakness, including after prostate surgery.
Pelvic Floor Weakness
Reduced muscle strength and control in the pelvic floor.
Preventative Care
Maintaining pelvic floor strength before symptoms progress.
What Happens at an Emsella Visit?
A typical course is 6 sessions of 28 minutes, twice a week for 3 weeks. Little preparation is needed, and there is no recovery time.
Pre-Treatment
No special preparation required
Wear comfortable clothing (light workout pants or loose trousers recommended)
Tell us about any implants, a pacemaker, a copper IUD, pregnancy or a current infection before your first session
Avoid clothing with metal near the pelvis, such as jeans with rivets or large belt buckles
Sessions can usually go ahead during your period; some people prefer to reschedule because cramps can feel stronger
During Treatment
Sit Down
Simply sit on the Emsella chair fully clothed.
Relax
The chair emits HIFEM energy, causing strong, rhythmic pelvic floor contractions. You will feel tingling and the muscles tightening, and the intensity can be adjusted.
28 Minutes
Treatment lasts 28 minutes. Most clients read, relax, or use their phone during the session.
Course and Review
After your course, your progress is reviewed with the physician, including whether maintenance sessions make sense for you.
After Treatment
Most people return to normal activities right away
Some people feel mild pelvic muscle soreness or tiredness, like after a workout, which usually settles within 24 to 48 hours
Follow-up sessions are planned as your physician recommends (a typical protocol is 6 sessions, twice weekly)
Many people notice a change during the course, and improvement may keep building for several weeks after the last session
Results are not permanent; maintenance sessions, often every 3 to 6 months, may be advised
**A typical protocol is 6 sessions, twice a week for 3 weeks. Individual results vary. Emsella does not cure incontinence; it is used to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Emsella in Burnaby: Common Questions
What does Emsella feel like? Does it hurt?+
It is not usually described as painful. You feel strong tingling and rhythmic contractions in the pelvic floor muscles, like a very intense workout while you sit. The intensity is built up gradually and can be lowered at any time. Most people read or relax during the 28 minutes.
How many sessions do I need?+
A typical course is 6 sessions of 28 minutes, scheduled twice a week for 3 weeks with at least a day between sessions. Your physician may adjust the plan after your assessment.
How soon will I see results?+
Response varies. Many people notice a change partway through the course, and improvement may keep building for several weeks after the last session as the muscles strengthen. Your progress is reviewed after the course.
Do I really keep my clothes on?+
Yes. Emsella is non-invasive and you stay fully clothed throughout, with no probes or gels. Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal near the pelvis; soft trousers or leggings work well, and jeans with rivets or large belt buckles are best avoided.
Can men have Emsella?+
Yes. Men can also have pelvic floor weakness, for example leakage after prostate surgery. Emsella works on the pelvic floor muscles that support bladder control, and you stay fully clothed. A physician reviews your surgical history and, where needed, checks with your surgeon before deciding whether it is appropriate.
Where can I get Emsella in Burnaby?+
Skin Art MD is a physician-led skin clinic at #101 – 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, BC V5H 0H6, near Metrotown SkyTrain Station (Expo Line). We are open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00, and closed on Monday. Phone: +1 (604) 639-2581. Consultations are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
How long do Emsella results last, and will I need maintenance?+
Results are not permanent. Like any muscle, the pelvic floor can weaken again over time, so the change may fade without continued exercise or follow-up sessions. Many people find the improvement lasts several months. Maintenance sessions, often every 3 to 6 months, may be advised after your progress is reviewed.
What are the possible side effects of Emsella?+
There is no downtime, and most people return to their day straight away. Some feel mild pelvic muscle soreness or tiredness, like after a workout, which usually settles within 24 to 48 hours. Your physician will go over risks before you start; contact the clinic if anything does not settle.
Who may not be able to have Emsella?+
Emsella is not used during pregnancy, or with a pacemaker or other electronic implant, or metal implants in the pelvic or hip area. Tell us if you have a copper IUD, and wait until any urinary tract infection has cleared. A physician assessment decides whether it suits you.
Is Emsella available near Vancouver?+
Yes. Skin Art MD is in Burnaby's Metrotown area, within Metro Vancouver, close to Metrotown SkyTrain Station on the Expo Line, so it is a short SkyTrain ride from downtown Vancouver. Book a private assessment by phone or online; consultations are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
How is Emsella different from Kegel exercises or pelvic floor physiotherapy?+
Kegels are voluntary contractions, and many people find them hard to do correctly or consistently. Emsella produces involuntary contractions that are stronger than most people can manage on their own. It does not replace pelvic floor exercises or physiotherapy; many people continue their exercises alongside it, and the physician may suggest a pelvic floor physiotherapist where that would help.
Can I have Emsella after having a baby?+
Often yes, once you have recovered from delivery and your doctor has cleared you for normal activity. Emsella is not used during pregnancy. At your assessment the physician asks about your delivery, recovery and whether you are breastfeeding, then advises on timing.
Sit Down and Talk Through Your Options
Book a private assessment to discuss whether Emsella suits you.
Related treatments
Related articles
How it works, who it suits, and what recovery looks like:
- EMSella: Pelvic Floor Science Explained
A deep-dive on how EMSella uses HIFEM technology to strengthen the pelvic floor, what studies show for urinary incontinence, and what a physician assessment covers.
- Emsella Pelvic Floor Therapy in Burnaby: How the Kegel Chair Works — Fully Clothed
Incontinence, a weakened pelvic floor, intimate wellness concerns — and the treatment is sitting in a chair fully clothed for 28 minutes? Emsella uses HIFEM technology to trigger thousands of supramaximal contractions. The Skin Art MD team explains how it works.
