Pelvic Health Treatment with EMG and STIM Units

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 25% of women in the United States experience a pelvic floor disorder in their lifetime
• Using biofeedback with EMG & STIM units is most common for pelvic health treatment
• The most common pelvic health issues are seen in the form of incontinence 

Top Products in this Article

What is Pelvic Health?

Common Pelvic Health Issues

How EMG/STIM Units Are Used for Pelvic Health

Products for Pelvic Health Therapy

Recap

Related Products

What is Pelvic Health?

When you think of pelvic health, the first thing that might come to mind is women’s health. While pelvic floor disorders impact ¼ women in the United States, men are also impacted by pelvic health.¹ Defined as the wellness of the pelvic area, having ‘good pelvic health’ is to be in a state without any injury or illness.²  

Common Pelvic Health Issues

Pelvic health issues can stem from a variety of sources, such as having a baby or stress. The most common pelvic health issues people seek help from a doctor or physical therapist for are:

• Incontinence
• Painful Sex/Bowel Movements
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Pre/Post-Partum
• Constipation/Diarrhea 

How EMG/STIM Units Are Used for Pelvic Health

Pelvic floor dysfunction is typically treated with non-surgical techniques. Often therapists use biofeedback with Electromyography (EMG)/Stimulation (STIM) units to retrain muscles. Other treatments include physical therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques.³

With biofeedback therapy, you can work with your clients to help coach them on how to use their muscles again.⁴ It can also help with strengthening any weak muscles someone might have and restoring neuromuscular control. This can be done with electrodes, as well as with vaginal and rectal stimulation. Some of our most common products used for biofeedback therapy are the MR20 and TR10 by Pathways.

Products for Pelvic Health Therapy

When pelvic muscles are weak, these dual and single channel units can be used to rehabilitate and restore neuromuscular control to the pelvic floor. They are also great to train down overactive muscles and to evaluate muscle group relationships for treating a variety of pelvic issues. With the help of these biofeedback units, you can help patients set goals to retrain and regain control of their vaginal or rectal muscles.

1. Pathway MR20

   

   The MR20 is one of our most popular biofeedback trainers. This dual channel unit can be used in continuous operation or with work-rest prompts. Easily convert the unit from external use to internal use with the Pathway vaginal and rectal sensors/stimulators. By purchasing it with the Telesis Software Program, you can access data storage downloads, real-time graphics, and a functional electrical stimulator interface. This unit is also convenient for use in the clinic or at home for hand-held portability.⁵

2. Pathway TR10

   

   A popular biofeedback unit, this single channel unit has an LED display screen that shows muscle activity. Easily convert the unit to monitor pelvic floor muscles with the sensors/stimulators mentioned above. It can be used in continuous mode or with rest sets that contract and release the pelvic muscles in set interval times. The Pathway TR10 can also be set to auto-lock for unsupervised patient use.⁶

3. Pathway MR20/TR10 Sensors/Stimulators

   

   Our Pathway accessories include a Vaginal EMG Stimulator, Rectal EMG Stimulator, and a Vaginal/Rectal Sensor. These accessories can convert the dual and single channel biofeedback units listed above (the Pathway TR20 and Pathway TR10) into devices that can help treat a variety of pelvic floor dysfunctions. The most common uses are for pelvic pain, incontinence, constipation, and sexual dysfunction.

4. MyoTrac Infiniti Stimulators

   

   The MyoTrac offers two channels of surface electromyography (SEMG), two channels of STIM and two channels of SEMG-Triggered STIM. The combination of these three channels eliminates the need for multiple devices and enhances your clinic’s treatment possibilities. The clinical system includes BioGraph Infiniti software, which combines dynamic graphics with analysis and reporting functions to facilitate biofeedback, relaxation, and muscle re-education.

5. MyOnyx Wireless 4 Channel SEMG Biofeedback Unit

   

   This portable, user-friendly, four-channel device for SEMG Biofeedback and electrical muscle stimulation (ESTIM) has a state-of-the-art, easy-to-use smart app wireless control. It also has flexibility and customizability with preloaded protocols. The four channels of electrostimulation focus on weak, injured, or overused muscle training, recovery, blood circulation facilitation, and pelvic floor training. EMG Triggered Stimulation combines SEMG biofeedback and ESTIM to promote neuroplasticity and regain muscle control.

6. YARLAP Pelvic Floor STIM System

   

   The YARLAP Pelvic Floor Stim System is the only clinically proven bladder control device. It features AutoKegel Technology that is made to provide women of all ages and sizes a reliable and effective floor pelvic floor workout, providing mild electrical stimulation and neuromuscular re-education. YARLAP is ideal for toning the pelvic floor muscles, which affect continence. Use this pelvic floor STIM system to treat stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, and mixed urinary incontinence. Allow the YARLAP to re-educate the pelvic floor muscles for your patients through one of its six programs.

Recap

Thousands of people in the United States will experience an issue with pelvic health in their lifetime. Whether it is a short-term injury or a lifelong illness, there are solutions to help improve pelvic health. Some of the best solutions come from visiting a local physical therapist for insight and treatment. You can also suggest options to help your patients improve their pelvic health at home. These at home options might include exercises using CLX bands and THERABAND Exercise Balls to strengthen your core and pelvic muscles.

Related Products

References

1. Anonymous. (2008). Roughly One Quarter of U.S. Women Affected by Pelvic Floor Disorders. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved 3 May 2022 from https://bit.ly/3yb4NGL
2. Chiarello, Cynthia. (December 2021). How Do We Define Pelvic Health? Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy. Retrieved 3 May 2022 from https://bit.ly/37Wzgh4 
3. Anonymous (2022). Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved 3 May 2022 from https://cle.clinic/3w3sZI7 
4. Anonymous (2016). Services & Testing. Pelvic Floor Center. Retrieved 3 May 2022 from https://bit.ly/3s9PcmK 
5. Anonymous (2022). Pathway MR-20 Dual Channel EMG. CMT. Retrieved 3 May 2022 from https://bit.ly/3MJBHlG 
6. Anonymous (2022). Single Channel EMG Biofeedback – Pathway TR10. CMT. Retrieved 3 May 2022 from https://bit.ly/3vBC8ZF 

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this site, including text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.