What is Magnetic Pelvic Floor Therapy?

Magnetic Pelvic Floor Therapy — also called Magnetic Stimulation or Functional Magnetic Stimulation (FMS), and commonly known as the "Magic Chair" — uses focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and the nerves that control bladder function. The treatment delivers thousands of supramaximal pelvic floor muscle contractions during each session — equivalent to doing thousands of Kegel exercises, but without any effort from you.

This FDA-cleared technology was originally developed for strengthening muscles and has been adapted specifically for treating pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and improving bladder control in both men and women.

Why it's called the "Magic Chair":

You simply sit fully clothed in a specialized chair while electromagnetic energy does all the work. No effort, no discomfort, no downtime — yet produces dramatic pelvic floor strengthening that can take months to achieve through traditional exercises.

An Honest Note on Where This Therapy Stands

Magnetic pelvic floor therapy is still considered experimental and is not yet standard care. Early studies — including research using 3-Tesla (3T) Functional Magnetic Stimulation — are promising, but more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits. Because it is not yet a standard treatment, some insurance plans may not cover it. It can be a good option for patients who can't tolerate medication or who prefer non-surgical care — and we'll discuss honestly whether it's right for you.

How Does It Work?

The Science Behind Magnetic Pelvic Floor Therapy

The Magic Chair uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate deep pelvic floor muscles that are difficult or impossible to target with voluntary exercises.

Treatment Mechanism:

  1. Electromagnetic pulses penetrate deep into pelvic floor tissues
  2. Supramaximal contractions stimulate both slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers
  3. Thousands of contractions per session (11,000+ in 28 minutes)
  4. Muscle rebuilding and strengthening occurs between sessions
  5. Neuromuscular re-education improves muscle coordination and tone

Result: Significantly stronger pelvic floor muscles that provide better support for bladder and urethral sphincter, reducing or eliminating leakage.

Who Benefits from Magic Chair Therapy?

Magnetic pelvic floor therapy can help both men and women with various types of incontinence and pelvic floor dysfunction:

Women Can Benefit For:

  • Stress urinary incontinence (leakage with coughing, sneezing, laughing, exercise)
  • Urge incontinence (sudden strong urge to urinate)
  • Mixed incontinence (combination of stress and urge)
  • Post-pregnancy incontinence
  • Post-menopausal incontinence
  • Mild to moderate pelvic organ prolapse
  • Sexual dysfunction related to pelvic floor weakness
  • Overactive bladder symptoms

Men Can Benefit For:

  • Post-prostatectomy incontinence (after prostate surgery)
  • Stress incontinence
  • Urge incontinence
  • Weak pelvic floor from aging or inactivity
  • Erectile dysfunction (as adjunct therapy)
  • Chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Ideal Candidates

  • People who leak urine with activity or urgency
  • Those who find Kegel exercises difficult or ineffective
  • Patients wanting to avoid or delay surgery
  • Individuals unable to perform traditional pelvic floor therapy
  • Anyone seeking non-invasive treatment
  • People with busy schedules who can't do daily exercises

What to Expect During Treatment

A Typical Magic Chair Session

Before Your First Session:

  • Consultation to ensure you're a good candidate
  • Medical history review
  • Explanation of treatment protocol
  • Answer all your questions
  • No special preparation needed

During Each Session:

  1. Arrive in comfortable clothing - you stay fully dressed
  2. Sit in the specialized chair - positioned over the pelvic floor area
  3. Relax for 28 minutes while electromagnetic pulses work
  4. Feel rhythmic muscle contractions - unusual but not painful
  5. Read, use phone, or relax during treatment
  6. Session ends - get up and resume your day immediately

No pain, no downtime, no recovery needed! Resume all activities immediately after each session.

What the Contractions Feel Like

  • Rhythmic tightening and releasing of pelvic floor muscles
  • Similar to doing Kegels but more intense
  • Sensation of pulling or lifting in pelvic area
  • Most patients find it comfortable, some describe as "interesting"
  • Intensity can be adjusted for your comfort
  • You remain in control - can stop anytime if needed

Treatment Protocol and Timeline

Standard Treatment Course

Recommended Protocol:

  • 6 sessions total
  • 2 sessions per week (e.g., Monday and Thursday)
  • 28 minutes per session
  • 3-week total treatment course

Protocols vary by device and program. Sessions commonly run 20–30 minutes and are performed once or twice per week, with a full course often ranging from 8 to 12 sessions. Your care team will recommend the schedule best suited to your symptoms and the system being used.

When to Expect Results:

  • After 2-3 sessions: Some patients notice initial improvement
  • After 4-5 sessions: Most patients experience noticeable reduction in leakage
  • After 6 sessions: Maximum benefit typically achieved
  • Continued improvement: Results can continue improving for 2-4 weeks after final session

Maintenance Therapy:

After initial course:

  • Single session every 3-6 months to maintain results
  • Some patients don't need maintenance
  • Individual maintenance schedule based on response

Clinical Results and Success Rates

What Studies Show

Clinical research on electromagnetic pelvic floor therapy demonstrates impressive results:

For Stress Incontinence:

  • 75-95% of patients report significant improvement
  • 60-70% report complete dryness or near-dryness
  • Reduction in pad usage
  • Improved quality of life scores

For Urge Incontinence:

  • 60-80% reduction in urgency episodes
  • Decreased frequency of urination
  • Better bladder control
  • Reduced nighttime awakenings

Additional Benefits Reported:

  • Improved sexual function in women (increased sensation, satisfaction)
  • Reduced pelvic pain in some patients
  • Better core stability
  • Confidence restored - return to activities previously avoided
  • No side effects in vast majority

What the Research Says — and Doesn't Yet

Studies using 3-Tesla Functional Magnetic Stimulation (FMS) show promising results for both stress (SUI) and urge (UUI) urinary incontinence, and many patients report improved symptoms and quality of life. Compared with surgery or invasive treatments, it has fewer side effects.

That said, more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits, and the therapy is still considered experimental and not yet standard care. We'll give you a candid picture of what's known so you can make an informed choice.

Advantages Over Traditional Treatments

Magic Chair vs Other Options

Treatment Pros Cons
Magic Chair • No effort required
• Fully clothed
• No downtime
• Treats deep muscles
• High success rate 		• Multiple sessions needed
• May not be covered by insurance
Traditional Kegels • Can do at home
• No cost
• Proven effective if done correctly 		• Must do daily forever
• Many do incorrectly
• Takes months to see results
• Compliance is poor
Pelvic PT • Expert guidance
• Personalized approach
• Education provided 		• Requires effort
• Multiple visits needed
• Some find internal work uncomfortable
• Ongoing home exercises required
Medications • Easy to take
• Can be effective for urgency 		• Side effects common
• Daily pills
• Less effective for stress incontinence
• Must continue indefinitely
Surgery • Can be definitive
• One-time treatment 		• Invasive
• Risks and complications
• Recovery time
• May not be reversible

What Conditions Can Be Treated?

Urinary Incontinence

  • Stress incontinence (most responsive)
    • Leakage with coughing, sneezing
    • Exercise-related leakage
    • Lifting/straining leakage
  • Urge incontinence
    • Sudden strong urges
    • Can't make it to bathroom in time
  • Mixed incontinence (both types)
  • Post-surgical incontinence
    • After hysterectomy
    • After prostatectomy

Other Pelvic Floor Issues

  • Weak pelvic floor muscles from:
    • Pregnancy and childbirth
    • Aging and menopause
    • Chronic constipation
    • Obesity
    • Chronic coughing
  • Overactive bladder symptoms
  • Pelvic pain in select cases
  • Sexual dysfunction related to muscle weakness
  • Poor quality of life from bladder issues

Who is NOT a Candidate?

Contraindications

You should NOT have Magic Chair therapy if you have:

  • Pregnancy or possible pregnancy
  • Pacemaker or implantable cardiac defibrillator (ICD)
  • Metal implants in pelvic area (hip replacements usually OK)
  • Active malignancy in pelvic region
  • Menstruation (reschedule for after period)
  • Vaginal infection or open wounds in treatment area
  • Severe pelvic organ prolapse (beyond stage 2)
  • Recent pelvic surgery (typically wait 6-12 weeks)
  • Epilepsy or seizure disorder
  • Electronic implants in pelvic area

Your doctor will review your medical history to ensure safety before starting treatment.

Preparing for Your Magic Chair Treatment

How to Prepare

✅ Simple Preparation:

  • Wear comfortable clothing - loose pants or skirt preferred
  • Empty bladder before session (use restroom)
  • Remove metal objects from pockets (keys, phone, jewelry)
  • No special bowel prep
  • No fasting
  • No need to undress
  • Bring something to do (book, phone) - you'll be sitting for 28 minutes

What NOT to Do Before Treatment:

  • Don't apply lotions or creams to pelvic area
  • Don't wear tight restrictive clothing
  • Don't arrive with uncomfortably full bladder

After Your Session

Immediate Post-Treatment

  • No restrictions - resume all normal activities
  • Drive yourself - no sedation used
  • Return to work immediately
  • Exercise - no limitations
  • No special care required

Possible Sensations (All Normal)

  • Mild muscle soreness in pelvic area (like after workout) - resolves in 24 hours
  • Increased awareness of pelvic floor muscles
  • Some patients notice immediate improvement in control
  • Others see gradual improvement over the course

Maximizing Your Results

  • Complete full course of 6 sessions for best results
  • Maintain schedule - consistent timing enhances outcomes
  • Stay hydrated - drink normal amounts of water
  • Consider complementary exercises - add Kegels if able
  • Report progress - let us know how you're improving

Cost and Insurance

Investment in Your Health

Magnetic pelvic floor therapy is typically an out-of-pocket expense as it's often not covered by insurance. However, many patients find the investment worthwhile given:

  • Non-surgical option that avoids operative risks
  • No ongoing medication costs
  • Significant quality of life improvement
  • Avoidance or delay of more expensive surgical procedures
  • No lost work time or recovery period

💰 Cost Information:

Contact our office for current pricing:

  • Package pricing available for full 6-session course
  • Individual session pricing
  • Maintenance session rates

Call 678-344-8900 to discuss cost and payment options

HSA/FSA: This treatment may be eligible for payment using Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account funds. Check with your HSA/FSA administrator.

Combining with Other Treatments

Magic Chair therapy can be combined with other treatments for enhanced results:

Synergistic Treatments:

  • Behavioral therapy (bladder training)
  • Medications for urgency
  • Vaginal estrogen (for postmenopausal women)
  • Weight loss program
  • Dietary modifications
  • Pelvic floor PT (complementary)

Treatment Sequence:

  • Often used before considering surgery
  • Can be used after surgery if residual incontinence
  • Excellent first-line option for many patients
  • Can enhance results of other therapies

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it painful?

No. You'll feel strong pelvic floor muscle contractions, but it's not painful. Most patients describe it as "intense but tolerable" or "interesting but comfortable." Intensity can be adjusted.

Do I need to undress?

No! You stay completely clothed. Just wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Remove metal objects from pockets.

How soon will I see results?

Some patients notice improvement after 2-3 sessions. Most see significant benefit by the end of the 6-session course. Results continue improving for 2-4 weeks after completion.

How long do results last?

Results can last 6-12 months or longer. Maintenance sessions every 3-6 months can help sustain benefits. Some patients maintain results with occasional refresher sessions.

Can I do this if I've had surgery?

Usually yes, but typically need to wait 6-12 weeks after pelvic surgery. Your doctor will advise on appropriate timing.

What if I have a pacemaker?

Unfortunately, pacemakers and implantable cardiac defibrillators are contraindications. The electromagnetic field could interfere with these devices.

Can men use the Magic Chair?

Absolutely! Men with post-prostatectomy incontinence or weak pelvic floor often have excellent results with this therapy.

Is it covered by insurance?

Usually not covered as it's considered elective/wellness therapy. However, costs are often less than surgical alternatives. HSA/FSA funds may be usable.

Can I do regular exercises after sessions?

Yes! No restrictions. The pelvic floor muscle fatigue is temporary and you can continue all normal activities including exercise.

What if I don't improve?

While most patients improve significantly, individual results vary. If not responding, we'll discuss alternative treatments including medications, other therapies, or surgical options.

Real Patient Experiences

What Patients Say:

"I was skeptical at first, but after 6 sessions I'm completely dry. I can laugh, sneeze, and exercise without worry. Wish I'd done this years ago!"

— Female patient, age 58

"After my prostate surgery, I was using 3-4 pads per day. Following the Magic Chair treatment, I'm down to 1 security pad and dry most of the time."

— Male patient, age 67

"The best part is that I don't have to do anything. I just sit there for 28 minutes twice a week. No homework, no exercises to remember. And it actually worked!"

— Female patient, age 52

Why Choose Advanced Urology for Magic Chair?

Our Expertise

  • Board-certified urologists
  • Experienced with all incontinence treatments
  • Can combine with other therapies
  • Comprehensive evaluation first
  • Follow-up to track results

Convenient Locations

  • Multiple Atlanta-area offices
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Evening appointments available
  • Comfortable, private treatment rooms

Ready to Try the Magic Chair?

If you're tired of living with incontinence and want a non-invasive, comfortable solution, Magnetic Pelvic Floor Therapy might be perfect for you.

Next Steps:

  1. Schedule a consultation to evaluate if you're a candidate
  2. Discuss your specific symptoms and goals
  3. Review treatment protocol and cost
  4. Schedule your 6-session treatment course
  5. Start seeing results!
Schedule Your Consultation

Questions? Call 678-344-8900