Many people have heard about pelvic floor problems but may not know what the pelvic floor actually is. These are a particular group of muscles that sit at the bottom of your pelvis. They help support your bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs. When these muscles are too weak or not working properly, they can cause problems such as increased pressure or pain. In some cases, bladder leaks are common. If you are looking for treatment, you may be wondering about pelvic floor chair therapy vs. exercise and which option works best for you.
At Timpanogos Physical Therapy in Pleasant Grove, Utah, our team can help you understand what is causing your symptoms and recommend treatment based on your needs. Learning how your pelvic floor works is an important first step. The right treatment can help you improve muscle function and feel more comfortable in your daily life and routines.
Table Of Contents
- Learn how passive sitting therapy differs from active pelvic floor exercises.
- Understand how sitting therapy may engage deeper pelvic floor muscles.
- Discover how guided sessions can make pelvic floor treatment easier to follow consistently.
- Learn why sitting therapy helps those struggling with physical exercise.
Building Pelvic Floor Strength Without the Guesswork
When it comes to pelvic floor care, the first thing you should familiarize yourself with is the difference between active and passive training. Active training means you are using your own muscles. Here, you’re focusing on specific exercises. For example, you may be asked to tighten and relax your pelvic floor muscles in a certain pattern. These exercises can help build strength and might help support better muscle function. It’s especially beneficial with consistency.
Sitting therapy takes a different approach. Instead of asking you to consciously contract your muscles, the EMStrong chair uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy to activate the pelvic floor while you sit fully clothed and comfortably. This means the treatment works without requiring you to focus on each muscle movement. For people who have trouble identifying or controlling their pelvic floor muscles, this can make treatment much more straightforward.
When considering pelvic floor chair therapy vs. exercise, sitting therapy may be helpful because it provides guided muscle activation without requiring constant effort. You also don’t have to worry about the right techniques. It can also be a useful option for people who are new to pelvic floor training or haven’t had success with training exercises independently.
Does this mean exercise is unhelpful? No. In fact, exercises may work well alongside sitting therapy. A physical therapist can help determine which approach fits your needs and goals.
Pelvic Floor Chair Therapy vs. Exercise: Understanding Muscle Activation
For comparison, it’s important to understand that the pelvic floor is composed of several layers of muscles. Some are easier to feel and control than others. Basic pelvic floor exercises typically focus on relaxing and tightening these muscles. When done correctly, exercises can help improve strength and stability.
Sitting therapy takes an entirely different perspective. The chair uses focused electromagnetic energy to trigger pelvic floor contractions while you sit. The stimulation does not depend on you consciously squeezing the muscles. For that reason, it may help you reach deeper muscles that can be difficult to activate with basic exercises alone.
Here is a simple comparison:
| Pelvic Floor Exercises | Sitting Therapy |
| You actively tighten and relax muscles | The chair stimulates the muscles for you |
| Requires focus and proper technique | Does not require conscious muscle control |
| Can strengthen muscles with regular practice | May help activate deeper muscle layers |
| Can be done at home | Performed during a guided session with a licensed physical therapist |
Our physical therapist in Pleasant Grove, Utah, can help determine which approach can best support your specific needs and goals.
Making Pelvic Floor Care Easier to Follow
Sticking with treatment is important, no matter what your end goal is. Exercises can be effective, but they require you to remember to do them regularly and use the right technique. That can be difficult for many people, especially if they already have limited mobility.
Guided sitting sessions with a physical therapist can make consistency easier because you have a schedule that’s dedicated to improving your pelvic floor. The treatment does not depend on remembering a set of exercises or knowing whether you are activating the right muscles at a particular moment.
This approach may also be helpful for people who have difficulty with physical workouts. Sitting therapy can provide muscle stimulation while you remain comfortably seated. Below is a summary of who could benefit from this type of treatment:
- If you have difficulty performing pelvic floor exercises
- Those who have limited mobility or physical strength
- Anyone who struggles to feel or control their pelvic floor muscles
- Individuals who have trouble staying consistent with exercises
When comparing pelvic floor chair therapy vs. exercise, the best choice depends on your body and long-term goals. For some people, guided sitting therapy may make pelvic floor care more accessible, while exercises can still be a helpful part of their overall treatment plan.
Could Pelvic Floor Therapy Be Right for You?
Are you looking for a treatment approach that fits your needs and lifestyle? Learn how pelvic floor therapy in Pleasant Grove can help you explore your options. New patients can start with our current $49 introductory offer, which includes an initial consult and first treatment session.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the pelvic floor chair work?
The chair uses electromagnetic stimulation to create pelvic floor contractions while you sit comfortably.
Is the pelvic floor chair treatment comfortable?
The treatment is noninvasive, comfortable, and requires no downtime.
How many pelvic floor chair sessions will I need?
Most patients see meaningful improvement after six sessions, though treatment varies by individual.