Although it’s still a taboo subject, women of all ages suffer from incontinence as a result of a weak pelvic floor. Estrada Clinic offers a state of the art treatment which helps to strengthen them, with results noticed after the second session
Our pelvic floor muscles are of huge importance – not only do they support the organs around the pelvis, but they are the group of muscles responsible for preventing urinary incontinence. "The pelvic floor is almost like a hammock," explains Michelle Avery, one of the founding forces behind Estrada Clinic. "Imagine a hammock that is stretched and that's what a good pelvic floor is like, whereas one which is loose won't be able to tighten on the urethra properly so you'll get leakage of urine."
There is a common misconception that it's only elderly people who suffer from urinary incontinence and an overactive bladder, when in reality it affects people of all ages. "High impact sports can cause it such as running. It's very common for athletes to suffer from incontinence," Michelle explains. Weight gain and constipation can also cause the pelvic floor muscles to weaken, as well as hormonal changes such as menopause and pregnancy, with the weight of the baby causing the muscles to sag. As a result urinary incontinence is an incredibly common problem affecting as many as one in three women, yet it's still a subject surrounded by taboo. "I think we talk about it with our friends and have a giggle about it, but generally there's an impression that it's an old age problem when it really isn't," Michelle stresses.
As a mother of four and with a background in nursing, it's something which Michelle understands well – she and her sister Anneliese set up Estrada Clinics in Cheadle and Congleton earlier this year, with the former being run by Anneliese, offering specialist treatments to strengthen the pelvic floor. Their clinics are equipped with a state of the art BTL Emsella chair, which uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic Technology to cause deep muscle stimulation and restoration of control across the entire pelvic floor. "The electromagnetic waves are focused directly on the pelvic floor, almost like a cone pointing upwards," Michelle says. This then delivers the equivalent of around 11,200 supramaximal muscle contractions in the 28 minute session, which cannot be achieved by voluntary pelvic floor and bladder training exercises done at home. It involves six sessions which are ideally taken between two and three times a week, which have lifelong results on rejuvenating and strengthening the muscles and reducing pelvic floor dysfunction; however, some women notice an improvement in bladder control and a decrease in symptoms after just the second treatment. It is completely non-invasive and non-surgical, and there's no pain or recovery time. It is also suitable for women of all ages providing they are not pregnant and providing they do not have any metal implants in their groin area such as the coil or a hip-replacement.
So far the treatment has proved to be hugely effective, with 95% of patients reporting an improved quality of life. "We had one woman who had to wear four pads a day and would have to bring a change of clothes to work with her," Michelle comments. "After the first session she said she could walk up and down stairs without leaking, and she'd already halved her pad usage." As well as treating pelvic floor dysfunction and increasing bladder and bowel control, the treatment can improve sexual sensation and give an all important boost in confidence. Improved continence also reduces the likelihood of urinary tract infections.
As a result, it is well-worth investing the money – simply speaking, it cuts the extensive costs stemming from sanitary products which Michelle estimates as being up to £900 every year. It also has the potential to totally transform a lifestyle, enabling women to feel self-confident and mobile once again. "I think as women we spend money on everything but ourselves, but actually we've only got one body and one life," she reflects. To book a session at the clinic, you can fill out an enquiry form on their website or get in touch via telephone, where a skilled member of the team will be able to offer advice.
Visit estradaclinic.co.uk to find out more, or call 0800 772 3952
