Empowering Your Pelvic Floor with HIFEM and RLT
Empowering Your Pelvic Floor with High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic technology (HIFEM) and Red Light Therapy (RLT)
Imagine jumping, laughing, or sneezing without worry. For many people, pelvic floor issues like urinary leaks or discomfort during intimacy can sap confidence and quality of life. Thankfully, modern pelvic floor therapy techniques offer non-invasive solutions. Today we’ll explore how High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic technology (HIFEM) can strengthen your pelvic floor muscles – improving bladder control, sexual health, and muscle coordination – and how Red Light Therapy (RLT, aka Photobiomodulation) complements HIFEM by promoting healing and reducing inflammation. By blending warmth and scientific clarity, we aim to show you why Enlighten Red Light Therapy Center is a trusted expert in helping you regain strength and confidence through these cutting-edge therapies.
What Are Pelvic Floor Muscles and Why They Matter
Pelvic floor muscles form a supportive “hammock” at the base of the pelvis, holding up organs like the bladder and uterus. Keeping these muscles strong is key for bladder control, core stability, and sexual function.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and connective tissues that span the bottom of your pelvis, forming a hammock-like support for organs such as the bladder, bowel, and (in women) the uterus. These muscles have a big job: they help stabilize your core and coordinate with your bladder and bowels to control the release of urine and stool. Pelvic floor muscles also play a role in sexual function – contributing to vaginal tone and orgasm in women, and aiding erectile function and ejaculation in men.
Over time or due to life events (like aging, childbirth or menopause), pelvic floor muscles can weaken. When they’re weak or injured, you might experience problems such as urinary incontinence (leaking urine when you cough or run), fecal incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse. Conversely, keeping these muscles fit and responsive yields many benefits. Strong pelvic muscles automatically squeeze and relax at the right times, helping you avoid accidents and supporting your organs. Just as importantly, you can also contract them consciously (like flexing any other muscle) – for example, to prevent leakage when you feel a sneeze coming.
Why keep them strong? Healthy pelvic floor muscles can improve your everyday life in several ways:
Better Bladder and Bowel Control: A strong pelvic floor provides firm support to your urethra and anus, helping you “hold it in” until you’re ready. This means fewer leakage incidents and more confidence in controlling your bladder and bowel.
Enhanced Sexual Health: Toned pelvic floor muscles are linked to improved sexual function for all genders. Women often find stronger pelvic muscles increase sensation and orgasm quality, and men may experience better erectile stability and ejaculatory control. Good pelvic floor tone can heighten pleasure and intimacy for both partners.
Core Stability and Posture: The pelvic floor is a key part of your body’s core. Along with your abs, back, and diaphragm, it helps stabilize your spine and hips. A strong pelvic floor acts like a built-in support belt, protecting your spine during everyday activities (from lifting groceries to high-impact exercise) and improving your balance and posture. This stability also allows your limbs to move with better coordination and power.
Quality of Life and Confidence: Perhaps most importantly, regaining control over pelvic floor functions can dramatically boost your confidence. No one likes dashing to the restroom constantly or feeling anxious about leaks. By strengthening these muscles, people often feel more secure participating in exercise, social activities, and intimacy without fear of embarrassment. In fact, pelvic floor exercises have been shown to increase social confidence and overall quality of life.
In short, a strong pelvic floor helps you live and move comfortably. But what if traditional exercises (like Kegels) aren’t enough, or you’re not sure you’re doing them correctly? This is where electrical muscle stimulation comes in as a game-changer.
How High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic technology (HIFEM) Strengthens the Pelvic Floor
High Intensity Focused Electromagnetic technology (HIFEM) is a therapy that uses mild electrical pulses to contract and strengthen muscles — in this case, the muscles of your pelvic floor. It might sound high-tech, but HIFEM for pelvic floor health has actually been used for decades as a safe, conservative treatment for incontinence and pelvic muscle weakness. HIFEM essentially “teaches” your pelvic floor muscles to contract properly by sending a small electrical current to the nerves or muscle fibers, causing them to tighten just as they would during a normal Kegel exercise. In simpler terms, it bypasses your brain’s instructions and directly tells those hard-to-reach muscles to work.
Here’s how it works: Our technician places a small device cushion like device on a chair and the client sits on it with no need to get undressed. What could be easier? When the HIFEM device is activated, you’ll feel a gentle tingling or pulsing. Our technician will work with you to get the intensity of pulses from the device correct for your preferences. These pulses signal your pelvic floor to squeeze and lift, then relax. Unlike a tense “shock,” HIFEM uses gentle, low-energy currents – just enough to get the muscles contracting without causing pain. Many people describe it as a strange but not uncomfortable sensation, and you can usually adjust the intensity to a comfortable level. Some clients even say they feel relaxed during the treatment.
One big advantage of HIFEM is that it can engage muscles that you might not be able to contract on your own. Research shows that about a quarter of people attempting Kegel exercises don’t do them correctly – often because it’s hard to isolate those muscles without tensing the abdomen or thighs. HIFEM takes the guesswork out of it: the device activates the exact right muscles in your pelvic floor and even helps “wake up” muscles that have become very weak or nerveless (for instance, after childbirth or surgery). In cases where someone can’t voluntarily contract their pelvic floor at all, electrical stimulation may be recommended as an essential first step to strengthen those muscles. Over time, these repeated contractions build muscle fiber strength and endurance, much like weight training at the gym – except the machine is doing the exercise with you.
HIFEM Benefits for Bladder Control and Incontinence:
One of the most common reasons people turn to pelvic floor HIFEM is to treat urinary incontinence, which is the involuntary leakage of urine. Strengthening the pelvic floor with HIFEM can significantly improve bladder control. In fact, clinical studies have reported notable improvements in patients’ continence after a course of electrical stimulation therapy – including fewer leaks, better control during sneezes or urges, and even reduced nighttime bathroom trips. In one study of women with stress incontinence (leakage with exertion), those who received pelvic floor HIFEM showed a 36% increase in their pelvic muscle strength (measured by how forcefully they could contract) along with substantial drops in their incontinence symptoms. Because HIFEM directly targets the muscles that support the bladder and urethra, it helps rebuild the support structure that prevents urine from escaping during movements. Medical experts often suggest trying HIFEM as a non-invasive incontinence treatment before considering medications or surgery.
What does this mean in daily life? It means fewer “oops” moments. Many clients report that after undergoing regular HIFEM sessions, they can cough, laugh, or exercise with much less fear of leaking. Gaining this control back can be life-changing – allowing you to stay dry and comfortable through your daily activities. As one pelvic therapy provider describes it, strengthening the pelvic floor muscles helps “restore continence and the confidence to enjoy normal daily activities without fear of losing bladder control.”
HIFEM Benefits for Sexual Health:
Strong pelvic floor muscles don’t just help with bladder control – they can also enhance your sexual well-being. For women, pelvic floor therapy (including HIFEM) is known to increase vaginal muscle tone and blood flow, which can lead to heightened sensation during intercourse and stronger orgasms. In fact, improved pelvic floor strength has been linked to greater sexual satisfaction and ease of reaching orgasm. One scientific study found that after 8 weeks of HIFEM treatments, women reported significant improvements in several aspects of sexual function – including increased desire, arousal, and orgasm intensity – alongside gains in pelvic muscle power. The pelvic floor muscles actively contract during orgasm, so it makes sense that conditioning them can intensify that experience.
Men can benefit as well: pelvic floor strengthening is often recommended for improving erectile function and ejaculatory control. The pelvic floor muscles (especially a muscle called the bulbocavernosus) help maintain blood flow in the penis during erections and are involved in ejaculation. HIFEM can help men activate and build these muscles, potentially leading to better rigidity and stamina. Men who have gone through pelvic floor HIFEM therapy (for example, after prostate surgery) have reported regaining not only bladder control but also improvements in their intimate health. In short, a fitter pelvic floor can translate to more confidence and enjoyment in the bedroom for both men and women.
Improved Muscle Coordination and Core Strength:
Because the pelvic floor is part of our core muscle group, toning these muscles with HIFEM can also improve your overall core stability and coordination. People often notice that as their pelvic floor strengthens, their posture and balance get better too. Everyday motions – from lifting a heavy object to quickly changing direction – feel easier and more supported. This is because your deep core (including pelvic floor, abs, and back muscles) is working in harmony to stabilize your body. For example, when you do something high-impact like jump or jog, a responsive pelvic floor will automatically engage along with your abs to protect your spine and keep you steady. Improved pelvic floor coordination can also reduce back and hip pain, since the “core canister” is providing proper support during movements.
Many athletes even incorporate pelvic floor training to improve performance – a stable core lets them transfer force more efficiently through their limbs. Even if you’re not an athlete, this means fewer muscle aches and a lower risk of injuries in daily life. Imagine being able to run, lift, or play with your kids with a solid foundation and no “twinges” in your lower back. That’s the kind of whole-body benefit a strong pelvic floor can provide.
What an Pelvic Floor HIFEM Therapy Session Is Like:
Pelvic floor EMS treatments are typically a short 30 minute session, and is conducted by our skilled technician. At Enlighten Red Light Therapy Center our clients are made comfortable in a private setting. Clients sit in a seated attachment fully clothed; it uses a focused electromagnetic field to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles thousands of times in one session! In fact, one 30-minute session on such a device can induce the equivalent of 20,000 Kegel exercises worth of contractions. That’s far more pelvic repetitions than most people could do on their own, and it illustrates how efficient HIFEM pelvic treatments can be.
During the session, you will feel the pelvic floor muscles tightening and releasing involuntarily. It might feel a bit odd at first – like a mild vibration or pulling sensation deep in your pelvis – but it shouldn’t hurt. Most people adjust to the feeling quickly and can even read a book or listen to music while the device does its work. HIFEM is non-invasive, has no downtime, and is considered very safe. You might have slight muscle soreness afterward (just as you would after exercising a muscle group), but there’s no cutting, no anesthesia, no downtime and no significant risk involved. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking non-invasive incontinence treatment or pelvic strengthening.
Consistency is key: a typical course might involve a 2-3 sessions per week over 6 to 8 weeks. Many clients start noticing improvements in bladder control or pelvic strength after a couple of weeks, with optimal results usually felt by the end of the treatment series. And because HIFEM is working on the root cause (muscle weakness), the improvements can last – especially if you maintain results with occasional booster sessions or regular pelvic floor exercises. In multiple studies, HIFEM therapy led to long-lasting benefits; for example, one group of participants still had better urodynamic function and fewer leaks 24 months after completing treatment.
At Enlighten Red Light Therapy Center, our specialists personalize HIFEM settings to your needs and comfort. We combine our expertise in Red Light Therapy with state-of-the-art HIFEM technology to ensure your pelvic floor muscles get the targeted workout they need while you remain at ease. Now, building strength “down there” is as easy as sitting back and letting science do the work!
Red Light Therapy: A Healing Boost for Pelvic Health
Just as HIFEM Therapy strengthens muscles, Red Light Therapy heals and energizes the tissues. Red Light Therapy (also known as photobiomodulation) involves shining specific wavelengths of Red and Near-Infrared (NIR) light onto your body to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation. In pelvic floor therapy, Red Light Therapy serves as a perfect complement to HIFEM: while HIFEM builds muscle strength, Red Light Therapy supports the surrounding tissues – helping with pain, blood flow, and healing of any damage.
Red Light Therapy bathes the pelvic area in low-level Red and Near-Infrared light. This painless, non-invasive treatment boosts cellular energy (ATP), reduces inflammation, and accelerates tissue healing in muscles and nerves.
How does Red Light Therapy work? It’s surprisingly simple. Cells in our body have energy factories called mitochondria (often nicknamed the “powerhouse of the cell”). Red and NIR light can penetrate through skin and tissue and is absorbed by these mitochondria. This light energy gives the mitochondria a boost, which in turn increases the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – basically the fuel that cells use to repair and regenerate. With more ATP available, cells can do their healing work faster and more efficiently. Think of it like charging up a battery: the extra energy helps cells rebuild tissues, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation. Unlike high-intensity lasers or UV rays, the light used in Photobiomodulation is very gentle. It doesn’t burn or cut the tissue; and clients find it incredibly relaxing. This therapy has been shown to be non-invasive, safe, and free of side effects in numerous studies, making it an excellent natural therapy for promoting healing.
When it comes to pelvic floor health, Red Light Therapy offers several key benefits:
Speeds Up Tissue Repair: By boosting cellular energy, red light helps pelvic floor muscles and connective tissues recover from strain or injury more quickly. If your pelvic floor has been weakened by childbirth or surgery, the light can stimulate the repair of muscle fibers and nerves. It even promotes the production of collagen – a protein that provides structure to tissues – helping to strengthen the pelvic support structures. In short, Photobiomodulation gives your body’s healing process a gentle push forward.
Reduces Inflammation and Pain: Pelvic floor problems often come with inflammation – whether it’s an acute injury or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Red Light Therapy triggers the release of anti-inflammatory compounds and can calm overactive immune cells in the treated area. This means swelling goes down and blood flow improves. People with pelvic pain or conditions like prostatitis have found relief with Red Light Therapy, as it relaxes muscle tension and eases discomfort. The treatment is soothing; many clients find the warmth itself relaxing, and as inflammation decreases, pain often diminishes significantly.
Improves Circulation: The gentle Red Light causes blood vessels to widen (a process called vasodilation), increasing blood circulation in the pelvic region. Better blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the muscles and nerves that need healing, and waste products are carried away. For pelvic floor muscles, this enhanced circulation can translate to quicker recovery after HIFEM treatments and healthier muscle function. Good blood flow is also crucial for sexual health – in fact, for men, Red Light Therapy may support improved erectile function by encouraging better circulation (similar principles to how it reduces inflammation). Women likewise benefit from improved lubrication and sensitivity due to enhanced blood flow.
Now, let’s talk about how Red Light Therapy can specifically enhance pelvic floor therapy outcomes when used alongside HIFEM :
Faster Recovery and Tissue Healing: After you “work out” your pelvic floor with HIFEM, RLT can be done next. The light will help any micro-tears or muscle fatigue to heal more quickly, much like athletes using red light on tired muscles. This means you can gain strength without as much soreness, and potentially progress faster. For postpartum women, combining pelvic floor exercises with Red Light Therapy may aid in recovering from childbirth injuries by promoting gentle healing of tissues. Even C-section scars or other pelvic surgery scars can respond well – Red Light helps soften scar tissue and increase its flexibility, which can restore better movement and comfort in the pelvic floor region.
Better Muscle Activation with Less Pain: If you’re dealing with pelvic pain or a hypertonic (overly tight) pelvic floor, it can be hard to do exercises because contracting or stretching the muscles might hurt. In this case, we would suggest reversing the order of treatments. Red Light Therapy can reduce pain and relax tight fibers, making manual therapy or exercises much more comfortable. By easing that pain and muscle spasm, it essentially “clears the path” for you to engage the right muscles without grimacing. We find that clients have an easier time finding and activating their pelvic floor muscles after a Red Light Therapy session, which improves the effectiveness of HIFEM. With pain out of the way, your brain can reconnect with those muscles, improving neuromuscular coordination.
Synergy for Incontinence Improvement: Remember that urinary incontinence often involves both muscle weakness and sometimes irritated or overactive bladder tissues. HIFEM addresses the muscle strength, and Red Light can soothe the bladder and surrounding tissues. The increased circulation and reduced inflammation from Photobiomodulation can support better bladder function and nerve signaling. In practical terms, someone using HIFEM for bladder control might find that adding Red Light Therapy leads to quicker and greater improvements. For example, the tissue repair stimulated by Red Light can improve the resilience of the pelvic floor so it holds up under daily stresses, reinforcing the continence gained from stronger muscles. It’s a true complementary approach: one study protocol even hypothesizes that combining pelvic floor muscle training with Photobiomodulation will amplify improvements in menopausal women with incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Early clinical experiences are promising, and ongoing research is examining this powerful combo.
What a Red Light Therapy Session Involves:
At Enlighten Red Light Therapy Center, we offer professional Photobiomodulation systems that deliver the correct therapeutic wavelengths. A session lasts 30 minutes. There’s no downtime or recovery needed; you can go about your day immediately afterward. Because it’s non-invasive, there’s no pain, no risk of burns, and you don’t need any anesthesia or prep. It’s actually quite relaxing and many clients fall asleep – some clients use the time to meditate or listen to calming music while bathed in the Red Light.
Consistency, again, is key. Benefits of Red Light Therapy are cumulative, meaning regular sessions (several times a week) over a few weeks yield the best results. This aligns well if you’re doing a series of HIFEM treatments. Both of the modalities can be used at the same appointment. Over the course of treatment, you may notice less pelvic pain, easier muscle movements, and faster gains in strength. Additionally, because Red Light Therapy can improve collagen and tissue quality, some women report benefits like reduced vaginal dryness or discomfort (since healthier tissues retain moisture and elasticity better). Importantly, Red Light Therapy is very safe. Studies highlight that it is a drug-free and side-effect-free modality.
A Comprehensive, Non-Invasive Solution at Enlighten Red Light Therapy Center
By now, it’s clear that HIFEM and RLT together form a powerful one-two punch for pelvic floor health. HIFEM actively rebuilds muscle strength and control, while RLT creates an optimal healing environment for those muscles and surrounding tissues. This combined approach addresses both the “hardware” (muscle power and coordination) and the “software” (nerve function, cellular health) of your pelvic floor system. The result? Better bladder control, improved sexual function, a stronger core, and a boost in confidence – without surgery or invasive procedures.
Enlighten Red Light Therapy Center prides itself on being at the forefront of these advanced, holistic pelvic floor treatments. Our goal is to provide effective, non-invasive incontinence treatments and pelvic wellness solutions in a comfortable, spa-like setting. When you come to Enlighten Red Light Therapy Center for pelvic floor therapy, here’s what you can expect from our expert team:
Personalized Care: We understand that each client’s pelvic health needs are unique. Our experienced technician will assess your condition and design a tailored program that may include HIFEM, Red Light Therapy, or often both. We take time to explain each technique, so you’ll understand what’s happening to your body and feel empowered throughout the process.
State-of-the-Art Technology: Enlighten Red Light Therapy Center uses cutting-edge devices and medical-grade equipment to ensure you get the best results. Our HIFEM technology can stimulate the entire pelvic floor muscle group – even the deep layers you can’t reach with typical exercises – to rapidly build strength. At the same time, our customized Red Light Therapy setups deliver optimal wavelengths for healing, maximizing benefits like collagen production, circulation, and pain relief. All of this is done with your comfort in mind. Treatments are conducted in privacy, and you remain in control – if something feels too intense, our staff will adjust it to your comfort level.
Safety and Expertise: As a wellness center, Enlighten Red Light Therapy Center follows evidence-based protocols. HIFEM and RLT are both well-researched therapies, and our staff is thoroughly trained in their use. You can relax knowing that you’re in knowledgeable hands. Both therapies are non-invasive and generally very gentle; we screen for any contraindications (for example, if you are pregnant, have active cancer, a pacemaker or metal implants, HIFEM would not be suitable). Your safety is our top priority, and we will only proceed with therapies that are appropriate for your well-being .
Guidance and Support: Beyond the in-session treatments, we view ourselves as your partners in pelvic health. Our team at Enlighten Red Light Therapy Center is always available to answer questions and cheer you on. We celebrate each milestone you hit – whether it’s “I made it through a Zumba class with no leaks!” or “My core feels stronger than it has in years.” Those success stories are why we’re passionate about what we do.
Regain Strength and Confidence
Living with pelvic floor dysfunction can be frustrating and isolating – but it doesn’t have to be permanent. With HIFEM and RLT, you have access to tools that are high-tech yet natural, strengthening your body by leveraging its own muscle contractions and healing mechanisms. The warm, science-backed care at Enlighten Red Light Therapy Center means you’re not alone on this journey; you have a dedicated wellness team helping you regain control over your body.
Imagine the freedom of going through your day without anxiously mapping every bathroom, of sneezing or laughing wholeheartedly without bracing for a leak, of enjoying intimate moments without pain or insecurity. Strengthening your pelvic floor can lead to lasting improvements in bladder control, sexual function, and core stability – all key ingredients for a confident, active life. And when we add the restorative power of Red Light Therapy, the process becomes even more effective and holistic, healing tissues as you build strength.
Empowering your pelvic floor is truly about empowering you – giving you back control, comfort, and confidence in daily life. If you’re ready to experience the benefits of HIFEM and Red Light Therapy for pelvic floor strength, the team at Enlighten Red Light Therapy Center is here to help. We’ve seen clients go from feeling held back by their bodies to feeling like themselves again – vibrant, strong, and free to live without constant worry. With our blend of innovative therapies and compassionate care, you can be assured you’re getting the safest and best-in-class treatment for your pelvic health needs.
Don’t let incontinence or pelvic discomfort keep you on the sidelines. Pelvic floor therapy with HIFEM and RLT can make a remarkable difference, whether you’re a new mom seeking postpartum recovery, a woman dealing with menopause-related changes, or a man overcoming prostate-related pelvic weakness. Take the step to invest in your pelvic wellness. Your body deserves this care, and your future self will thank you for it.
Let us be your partners in strengthening your foundation – so you can move through life with strength, stability, and confidence from the core. Here’s to no more leaks, a healthier pelvic floor, and you back in control every day! Book your appointment by clicking the link below.
Sources:
Cleveland Clinic – Pelvic Floor Muscles: Overview & Function
Pelvic Floor Muscles: Anatomy, Function & Conditions
Continence Foundation of Australia – Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises: Benefits
National Association for Continence – What is E-Stim for Incontinence?
E-Stimulation For Incontinence: What, Why, When, And Where
NHS UK – Electrical stimulation for pelvic floor muscle training
Urinary incontinence - Non-surgical treatment - NHS
Jha S. et al., Systematic Review (2022) – Electrical Stimulation for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
The Urology Partnership – BTL Emsella Chair Benefits
EMSELLA Chair | Incontinence Treatment | The Urology Partnership
Pelvic Health Center NJ – Red Light Therapy for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
PeerJ (2024) – Study Protocol: Pelvic Floor Training + Photobiomodulation
Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2021 Dec.— Low-intensity LASER and LED (photobiomodulation therapy) for pain control of the most common musculoskeletal conditions