How the LA-EMS Incontinence Treatment Chair Can Help Older Women Dormer's Wells with Urine Incontinence
For many women, bladder leaks don’t happen overnight.
It often starts with a few drops when laughing, coughing or sneezing. Over time, you may begin wearing pads “just in case”, planning journeys around toilet stops or avoiding activities you once enjoyed.
At LA LIPO, one of the things we hear most often is:
“I thought it was just part of getting older.”
While urinary incontinence becomes more common as we age, it isn’t something every woman simply has to accept. In many cases, there are treatments that may help improve symptoms and confidence.
One thing we often notice is that many women wait years before asking for help because they feel embarrassed. By the time they contact us, they’ve often adapted their lifestyle around bladder leaks rather than exploring whether something could be done to improve them.
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What Is Urinary Incontinence?
Urinary incontinence simply means leaking urine when you don’t intend to.
The amount can vary from an occasional few drops to more significant leakage, depending on the underlying cause.
As we get older, the muscles that support the bladder and pelvic organs can naturally become weaker. Hormonal changes after the menopause, pregnancy, childbirth and certain medical conditions can also contribute to bladder control problems.
Although urinary incontinence becomes more common with age, it should never be dismissed as “just getting older.”
Why Does Urinary Incontinence Become More Common with Age?
Several changes can affect bladder control over time, including:
- weaker pelvic floor muscles
- menopause and reduced oestrogen levels
- previous pregnancies and childbirth
- long-term coughing
- being overweight
- certain medications
- reduced mobility
- previous pelvic surgery
For many women, it’s a combination of several factors rather than one single cause.
The Most Common Types of Urinary Incontinence
Understanding the type of bladder leakage you’re experiencing helps determine which treatments may be appropriate.
Stress Incontinence
This occurs when pressure is placed on the bladder, such as when:
- coughing
- sneezing
- laughing
- exercising
- lifting
It is often linked to weakened pelvic floor muscles.
Urge Incontinence
Some women experience a sudden, overwhelming urge to pass urine and struggle to reach the toilet in time.
This can happen even when the bladder isn’t completely full.
Mixed Incontinence
Many women experience a combination of both stress and urge incontinence.
Why Assessment Is So Important
Before recommending any treatment, it’s important to understand what’s causing your symptoms.
Not every case of bladder leakage is caused by weak pelvic floor muscles.
In some cases, symptoms may be linked to urinary tract infections, medications, pelvic organ prolapse or other medical conditions that require a different approach.
At LA LIPO, we’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history and whether treatment is likely to be appropriate before making any recommendations.
Your wellbeing will always come first.
Could Pelvic Floor Muscle Stimulation Help?
Where appropriate, pelvic floor muscle stimulation is designed to encourage the muscles responsible for bladder control to contract and strengthen over time.
For some women whose symptoms are related to pelvic floor weakness, muscle stimulation may support pelvic floor strengthening and help improve bladder control. Results vary, and treatment should form part of an appropriate care plan rather than replace medical advice or recommended pelvic-floor exercises.
Treatment suitability will always depend on your individual assessment.
How Does the LA-EMS Incontinence Treatment Chair Work?
The LA-EMS chair uses electromagnetic muscle stimulation to create repeated contractions within the pelvic floor while you remain seated and fully clothed.
During treatment, you sit comfortably on the chair while the intensity is gradually adjusted to a level that feels strong but manageable. You may feel the pelvic floor muscles contracting and relaxing throughout the session.
These contractions are designed to exercise muscles that can be difficult to activate effectively through pelvic floor exercises alone.
The treatment may be considered for some women experiencing stress or mixed urinary incontinence linked to pelvic floor weakness. It will not be suitable for every type or cause of bladder leakage, which is why an assessment is required before treatment.
The LA-EMS chair should not be presented as a guaranteed cure or as a replacement for medical assessment, pelvic-floor exercises or other treatment recommended by a healthcare professional.
What Happens During Your Consultation?
Most appointments begin with a relaxed conversation about your symptoms and medical history.
We’ll discuss:
- when your symptoms started
- how often leakage occurs
- whether certain activities trigger it
- your medical history
- previous treatments you’ve tried
Whether your symptoms appear suitable for LA-EMS treatment or whether you should seek advice from your GP, continence service or another healthcare professional first. We’ll always explain your options honestly so you can decide what feels right for you.
One Thing That Often Surprises People
Many women assume they’ll immediately be told surgery is their only option.
In reality, that’s not always the case.
Depending on the cause of your symptoms, non-surgical options such as pelvic-floor exercises, bladder training, lifestyle changes or suitable muscle-stimulation treatments may be considered before surgery.
A Common Situation We See
A common situation we see is a woman who initially notices a few drops of urine when laughing or exercising.
Months later, they begin avoiding fitness classes, carrying spare clothing or limiting social outings because they’re worried about leaking.
Many tell us afterwards they wish they’d sought advice much sooner.
How Long Does It Take To Notice Improvement?
Every woman responds differently.
Some notice changes sooner than others, while for many people improvements develop gradually as the pelvic floor muscles become stronger.
We’ll always explain what you can realistically expect based on your individual circumstances.
Is Treatment Painful?
One of the questions we’re asked most often is whether treatment is uncomfortable.
Many women describe the contractions as strong or unusual rather than painful, although everyone’s experience is different.
Your practitioner will explain exactly what to expect before treatment begins.
Can I Continue My Normal Activities?
Most women return to their normal daily routine immediately afterwards.
Because treatment is non-surgical, there is usually no recovery period required.
Can Urinary Incontinence Return?
It can.
Like any muscle in the body, the pelvic floor benefits from ongoing care.
Lifestyle changes, ageing and other health conditions may influence symptoms over time, so maintaining pelvic floor strength remains important.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Arrange an assessment if you experience:
- bladder leakage that affects your daily life
- blood in your urine
- pain when passing urine
- frequent urinary tract infections
- sudden changes in bladder function
- symptoms that continue getting worse
If you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, it’s always best to seek professional advice rather than assuming it’s simply part of ageing.
Why Choose LA LIPO?
At LA LIPO, we understand that bladder problems can feel embarrassing to talk about.
Our aim is to provide a supportive, discreet environment where you can discuss your symptoms openly and receive honest advice about your treatment options.
If we don’t believe you’re suitable for treatment, we’ll explain why and help guide you towards the most appropriate next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About LA-EMS Incontinence Treatment Dormer's Wells
Is bladder leakage just part of getting older?
No. While urinary incontinence becomes more common with age, it isn’t considered an inevitable part of ageing and should be assessed if it’s affecting your quality of life.
Do I remain fully clothed during LA-EMS treatment?
During a typical session, you remain seated and fully clothed. Your practitioner will explain how to position yourself correctly before treatment begins.
How many LA-EMS sessions will I need?
The recommended number of sessions depends on your symptoms, assessment and response to treatment. Your practitioner will discuss a suitable plan without guaranteeing a particular outcome.
Is the LA-EMS chair suitable for urge incontinence?
Not necessarily. Urgency can have several causes, and muscle stimulation is not appropriate for every case. Bladder training is commonly recommended as an initial treatment for urgency or mixed incontinence, so assessment is important.
Who may not be suitable for treatment?
Suitability depends on medical history and the particular device being used. Clients should disclose implanted electrical or metal devices, pregnancy, recent surgery and relevant medical conditions during screening. The exact contraindications must follow the chair manufacturer’s instructions.
Can pelvic floor muscles still improve later in life?
In many cases, pelvic floor muscles can still respond to strengthening exercises or other appropriate treatments, although results vary from person to person.
Is treatment embarrassing?
Many women feel nervous before their first appointment, but most tell us afterwards that they felt comfortable discussing their symptoms in a private, supportive environment.
How long does an appointment take?
Your consultation and treatment appointment will usually last around 30–45 minutes, depending on your individual needs.
Book Your Consultation
If bladder leaks are beginning to affect your confidence or daily routine, you don’t have to struggle in silence.
At LA LIPO, we’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, explain your options and help you decide whether treatment may be appropriate for you.
Our goal is to provide honest advice, realistic expectations and supportive care every step of the way.
