Urinary incontinence, the involuntary loss of bladder control, is a common condition that can affect people of all ages but is more prevalent in older adults and women. The causes of urinary incontinence vary and can include weakened pelvic floor muscles, nerve damage, urinary tract infections, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease. In women, pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause significantly contribute to weakening the muscles that support the bladder. In men, prostate problems, including an enlarged prostate or post-prostate surgery, are frequent contributors.
There are several types of urinary incontinence, including stress incontinence, urge incontinence, overflow incontinence, and functional incontinence. Stress incontinence occurs when physical movements such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising put pressure on the bladder. Urge incontinence is characterized by a sudden, intense need to urinate, often caused by overactive bladder muscles. Overflow incontinence happens when the bladder does not empty completely, leading to dribbling, while functional incontinence is due to physical or mental impairments that prevent timely bathroom access. Accurate diagnosis through physical exams, bladder diaries, and diagnostic tests is essential for selecting appropriate treatment.
Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on the type and severity of the condition. Conservative approaches include pelvic floor muscle exercises (Kegels), bladder training, fluid and diet management, and lifestyle changes such as weight loss and smoking cessation. Medical treatments may involve medications that relax the bladder or strengthen the urethral sphincter. In more severe or unresponsive cases, surgical options like sling procedures or bladder suspension may be recommended. Newer interventions, such as nerve stimulation and injectable bulking agents, also offer alternatives for managing symptoms. A personalised treatment plan, often involving a multidisciplinary team, helps improve quality of life for individuals living with urinary incontinence.
The Neotonus Incontinence Chair, also known as the NeoControl chair, is a non-invasive treatment option for urinary incontinence that uses pulsed magnetic field therapy to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This technology, called Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation (ExMI), delivers magnetic pulses to the pelvic floor region while the patient remains fully clothed and seated comfortably in the chair. These pulses cause involuntary contractions of the pelvic muscles, mimicking the effects of pelvic floor exercises (Kegels), but at a much higher intensity and frequency.
Treatment sessions with the Neotonus Chair typically last around 20 minutes and are recommended twice a week for several weeks, depending on the severity of the incontinence and the patient’s response. The therapy is painless and requires no downtime, making it an attractive option for individuals who struggle with performing pelvic floor exercises or who prefer a non-surgical approach. It is commonly used to treat stress and urge incontinence, and some patients report improvement after just a few sessions, with maximum benefits often seen after six to eight weeks.
The Neotonus Chair is particularly beneficial for patients who are not suitable candidates for medication or surgery, or who prefer a conservative therapy. It is FDA-approved and has been supported by clinical studies showing improvements in bladder control and quality of life. However, as with all treatments, individual results may vary, and ongoing maintenance sessions may be required to sustain long-term benefits. A consultation with a healthcare provider is important to determine if this therapy is appropriate based on the patient's specific type of incontinence and overall health condition.
