EMSella is a non-invasive, physician-supervised pelvic floor treatment: you sit fully clothed on a chair while HIFEM energy triggers thousands of deep pelvic floor contractions in about 28 minutes. It may help stress, urge or mixed urinary incontinence in women and men. The usual course is 6 sessions over 3 weeks, and most people resume normal activities the same day.
If you've been quietly dealing with pelvic floor weakness — whether it's leaking when you laugh, urgency you can't control, or a loss of confidence in your daily life — you're not alone. Millions of Canadians live with these challenges, yet few seek help because they simply don't know non-invasive options exist. EMSella in Richmond is changing that conversation at Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic (RAAC), where physician-led care meets HIFEM technology.
Learn more about EMSella and discover how this physician-administered treatment works for pelvic floor restoration.
What Is EMSella and How Does It Work?
EMSella® by BTL is a non-invasive pelvic floor treatment that uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate thousands of supramaximal pelvic floor muscle contractions in a single session — the kind of deep, powerful contractions that are simply impossible to achieve through voluntary exercise alone.
During a 28-minute session, you sit fully clothed on the EMSella chair while the device delivers precisely focused electromagnetic energy to your pelvic floor muscles. This triggers approximately 11,200 muscle contractions per session, effectively re-educating and strengthening the muscles responsible for urinary control, bladder support, and pelvic stability.
EMSella is a non-invasive, physician-supervised treatment for urinary incontinence in both men and women. It is the same foundational HIFEM science used in body contouring technology — now precisely targeted to the pelvic region for clinically meaningful results.
Who Is a Good Candidate for EMSella?
EMSella may be right for you if you experience:
- Stress urinary incontinence — leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or exercise
- Urge incontinence — sudden, intense urges to urinate that are difficult to control
- Mixed incontinence — a combination of both types
- Pelvic floor weakness — from pregnancy, childbirth, aging, or hormonal changes
- Reduced sexual satisfaction — related to pelvic floor laxity
Both women and men can benefit. Post-partum women, peri-menopausal and menopausal women, and men experiencing post-prostatectomy incontinence are among those who may see meaningful results.
EMSella is not recommended for patients with metal implants in the treatment area (including certain IUDs), cardiac pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, or those who are pregnant. A consultation with our medical team will determine your eligibility safely.
Book a Consultation to find out if EMSella is the right solution for your pelvic floor concerns.
What happens during an EMSella session?
After a medical consultation, you sit clothed on the chair for about 28 minutes and feel strong tingling or pulling contractions; the standard course is six sessions over three weeks, and most people resume normal activities straight afterwards.
Here is exactly what happens during your visit to Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic (RAAC):
Step 1: Medical Consultation
Your journey begins with a consultation with our physician or registered nurse. We review your health history, current symptoms, and personal goals to confirm EMSella is appropriate for you and to build your personalized treatment plan.
Step 2: The Treatment Session
You arrive, remain fully clothed, and sit comfortably on the EMSella chair. The device is positioned and calibrated for your body. You will feel a series of intense muscle contractions — often described as a strong tingling or pulling sensation — as the electromagnetic pulses engage your pelvic floor. The sensation varies from person to person, and it comes from the muscles working during the treatment. Sessions last approximately 28 minutes. Most people resume normal activities the same day.
Step 3: The Recommended Protocol
The standard EMSella protocol is 6 sessions delivered over 3 weeks (2 sessions per week). This schedule has been used in clinical research to deliver optimal pelvic floor strengthening. Some patients may benefit from additional maintenance sessions based on their response.
Step 4: Aftercare
Most people return to normal activities immediately after each session. Some patients experience mild muscle soreness similar to post-workout fatigue, which typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours.
Is EMSella Effective? What the Research Says
Many patients ask: is EMSella worth it? Based on published clinical evidence, the answer is often yes — though individual results do vary.
Peer-reviewed clinical studies have demonstrated statistically significant improvements in:
- Reduction in urinary leakage episodes
- Improved quality-of-life scores related to incontinence
- Measurable increases in pelvic floor muscle strength and endurance
Some people notice a difference after the second or third session, with continued improvement in the weeks following their final treatment as the muscles consolidate their gains.
Results vary from person to person and depend on the severity of pelvic floor weakness, lifestyle factors, and adherence to the recommended treatment schedule.
Is EMSella Safe? Risks, Side Effects, and Contraindications
Is EMSella safe? Yes — it carries an favourable safety profile when administered by qualified practitioners using a properly calibrated, physician-administered device.
Common and temporary side effects may include:
- Mild pelvic muscle soreness or fatigue
- A feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen immediately after treatment
- Occasional temporary tingling in the treated area
Serious adverse events are rare and are minimized through thorough pre-treatment screening. Our physician-led team at Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic (RAAC) conducts comprehensive medical intake assessments before every treatment course.
Contraindications include:
- Metal implants in or near the treatment area (including certain copper IUDs)
- Cardiac pacemakers or implanted electronic devices
- Pregnancy
- Active bleeding disorders
- Fever or active systemic infection
Always disclose your complete medical history at your consultation so our team can assess your suitability with full accuracy and care.
How Long Do EMSella Results Last?
How long do EMSella results last? Results vary; where benefits occur, they may last around 6 months to 1 year following the initial treatment course.
Factors that influence how long results last include:
- Continued pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) between and after sessions
- Maintaining a healthy weight and staying physically active
- Hormonal status — menopausal changes can gradually affect pelvic floor tone over time
- Individual physiology and the initial degree of muscle weakness
To sustain results, many of our patients opt for quarterly or biannual maintenance sessions. Our team will recommend a maintenance schedule tailored specifically to your treatment response and lifestyle goals.
Book a Consultation to discuss your treatment timeline and what an ongoing care plan might look like for you.
How much does EMSella cost in Canada?
What does EMSella cost near me? The cost of EMSella in Canada varies by clinic and the number of sessions included in your treatment plan. EMSella cost in the UK, the US, and Canada will differ due to healthcare market differences — Canadian pricing is typically more accessible than many international comparisons suggest.
At Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic (RAAC), the cost depends on your recommended protocol. Contact us for current pricing — we are happy to walk you through all available options during your consultation.
Is EMSella covered by Medicare or provincial health insurance? In most cases, EMSella for elective pelvic floor concerns is not covered by BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP) or federal Medicare. It is generally considered an elective medical procedure. Some extended health benefit plans may offer partial reimbursement — we recommend checking directly with your insurer.
How does EMSella compare with other pelvic floor treatments?
EMSella is a non-invasive option for mild to moderate incontinence; Kegels and pelvic physiotherapy are non-invasive and complementary, vaginal laser targets menopausal symptoms, and a sling is surgery for severe stress incontinence.
| Treatment | Invasiveness | Sessions | Downtime | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMSella (HIFEM) | Non-invasive | 6 sessions | Usually minimal | Men and women with mild–moderate incontinence |
| Kegel exercises | Non-invasive | Daily, ongoing | None | Mild cases and long-term maintenance |
| Pelvic physiotherapy | Non-invasive | Multiple sessions | None | All stages; highly complementary to EMSella |
| Vaginal laser (e.g., Mona Lisa Touch) | Minimally invasive | 3 sessions | Minimal | Menopausal women with GSM-related symptoms |
| Surgical sling procedure | Surgical | 1 procedure | Weeks | Severe stress incontinence unresponsive to conservative care |
EMSella uses magnetic stimulation to cause pelvic floor muscle contractions, and for some patients it may involve minimal downtime, no needles, and no undressing required, and it may be used for both men and women — which may make it a comfortable and discreet option for pelvic floor recovery.
Why Choose Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic (RAAC)?
When it comes to pelvic floor treatment, the credentials and character of your provider matter as much as the technology itself.
Physician-Led Care
Every EMSella treatment at RAAC is conducted under the direct supervision of our experienced medical team. Your assessment, treatment plan, and follow-up care are guided by qualified healthcare professionals.
Authentic BTL Technology
We use the genuine BTL EMSella device — the same physician-administered system used in peer-reviewed clinical research. We maintain our equipment to support the delivery of your treatment.
Personalized Treatment Plans
No two pelvic floors are the same. Our team takes meaningful time to understand your unique symptoms, medical history, and goals before recommending any protocol. We develop a treatment plan for each patient.
Bilingual Service in English and Chinese
We serve Richmond's diverse community in both English and Mandarin/Cantonese. Discussing sensitive health concerns is always easier when you can do so in your own language, with a team that understands your culture and communication style.
A Discreet, Compassionate Environment
We understand that pelvic floor issues can feel embarrassing to raise. Our clinic is a completely judgment-free space where your comfort and dignity are our top priority from the moment you arrive.
Book a Consultation to discuss your options with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tired of crossing your legs every time you laugh, sneeze, or move too quickly?
You do not have to keep working around your symptoms. EMSella was designed precisely for this — to rebuild the pelvic floor strength that makes those moments manageable again. Results vary from person to person, and bladder symptoms are also worth having assessed by your family doctor. The first step is simply a conversation with our team.
What is EMSella® by BTL?
EMSella® is a non-invasive pelvic floor treatment developed by BTL Industries. It uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to induce powerful pelvic floor muscle contractions, restoring neuromuscular control and reducing urinary incontinence. It is physician-administered and requires no surgery or needles; most people resume normal activities the same day.
How much does EMSella cost?
EMSella pricing is based on your individualized treatment plan. Contact us for current pricing — our team will walk you through the options during your consultation.
How long is the recovery, and are there any risks or side effects?
Most people resume daily activities immediately after each 28-minute session. Most patients experience only mild, temporary pelvic muscle soreness. Serious adverse events are rare and are minimized by our thorough pre-treatment medical screening process.
Where are you located?
Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic (RAAC) is located in Richmond, BC, conveniently accessible to patients throughout Greater Vancouver. Contact us directly for our address, directions, and parking information.
Are there any side effects to EMSella?
The most commonly reported side effects are temporary pelvic muscle soreness or fatigue, which typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Occasional warmth or tingling in the treated area may also occur. Our medical team reviews all potential side effects with you thoroughly before your first session.
Are there any contraindications to EMSella?
Yes. EMSella is not suitable for individuals with metal implants near the treatment area (including certain IUDs), cardiac pacemakers, implanted electronic devices, or those who are pregnant. A comprehensive medical history review at your consultation will determine your eligibility safely and accurately.
Questions about a treatment?
We love hearing from patients who are doing their research. Whether you have questions specifically about EMSella, another treatment we offer, or are simply unsure which option is right for you — our team is here to help. Book a Consultation or reach out through our website anytime. No question is too small.
Next Steps: Begin Your EMSella Journey
If anything in this article resonates with you — whether you are dealing with leakage, sudden urgency, or a quiet loss of confidence in your body — the next step is simply a conversation. Our medical team will listen carefully to your concerns, answer your questions honestly, and help you understand whether EMSella is the right fit for your goals and health history. There is no obligation, no pressure, and no judgment. Just expert guidance from a team that genuinely cares about helping you feel like yourself again.
Ready to See What EMSella Can Do for You?
Our medical team at Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic (RAAC) in Richmond is ready to create your personalized treatment plan. Book a consultation — available in English and Chinese.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any treatment.
