Biofeedback and electrical stimulation are two widely used techniques for pelvic floor training. It is important that you understand the differences between them and choose the one that suits you best. Here is a detailed explanation and comparison between electrical stimulation and biofeedback.
Electrical stimulation VS biofeedback
These two techniques have little in common except their main goal: to strengthen and tone your pelvic floor. Both biofeedback and pelvic floor electrical stimulation are methods commonly used by healthcare professionals.
The good news is that after consulting a practitioner, women can continue to tone their pelvic floor at home thanks to solutions designed for home use. Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between these two types of devices.
Pelvic floor training with electrical stimulation
In the case of electrical stimulation, the technology uses small electrical currents that stimulate your pelvic floor. More specifically, a vaginal pelvic floor trainer connected to a control unit delivers electrical impulses that reflexively stimulate your pelvic floor muscles.
You do not need to make any effort. Here, it is the electrical stimulation device that works while you remain passive.
What is pelvic floor electrical stimulation used for?
Electrical stimulation can be helpful if you cannot locate or contract your pelvic floor. The electrical impulses can help you become more aware of it and understand where it is. With this method, you do not voluntarily contract your pelvic floor muscles.
Therefore, the patient does not learn to perform voluntary pelvic floor contractions with electrical stimulation. The contractions are involuntary and stimulate the pelvic floor.
When should you choose electrical stimulation for pelvic floor training?
In the case of postpartum pelvic floor recovery, the ANAES does not recommend electrical stimulation due to nerve injuries often associated with childbirth. Often, women use electrical stimulation for a short period and as a first step to learn to locate their pelvic floor.
Once this is well understood, healthcare professionals recommend doing active exercises over the long term to train your pelvic muscles.
I take care of my pelvic floor
Pelvic Floor Training with Biofeedback
In contrast to pelvic floor electrical stimulation, biofeedback is based on learning voluntary contraction. With this method, it is the woman who voluntarily contracts their pelvic floor. Biofeedback therefore enables you to be active in your pelvic floor recovery. Specifically, a vaginal pelvic floor trainer detects and records the pelvic floor muscle contractions.
The signal is then visually transmitted to the user on a device screen in real time. This technique allows you to become aware of and see your pelvic floor contractions in real time on a screen. With this feedback, you can tell if you have correctly performed the requested exercise and if you have properly contracted your pelvic floor or not.
What is pelvic floor biofeedback for?
Biofeedback is useful for exercising all the pelvic floor muscles. It is a technique that allows you to train voluntary contractions of the pelvic floor by alternating contraction and relaxation exercises.
Moreover, it is a natural and active solution, since you are the one strengthening your pelvic floor. Biofeedback pelvic floor trainers act as sensors of your contractions to provide you with feedback on your progress. It is you who works and learns to control your pelvic floor muscles during your training sessions.
In summary, biofeedback is a powerful tool that improves and strengthens your mind-body connection as you learn to use it. It is one of the most effective methods for pelvic floor strengthening according to scientific literature.
When should you do pelvic floor training with biofeedback?
Biofeedback enables you to learn voluntary contraction of the pelvic muscles and, above all, to become aware of how they function. There are no contraindications for postpartum pelvic floor recovery using this technique.
Unlike electrical stimulation, with biofeedback you can achieve great control over your pelvic floor. This technique also helps establish automatic and reflex contractions to protect your pelvic floor in daily life (when coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy loads, for example).
Electrical stimulation and biofeedback: 2 complementary techniques
Pelvic floor electrical stimulation can be an entry point before biofeedback. This technique can be helpful if you don’t feel your pelvic floor or don’t know how to contract it. By varying the intensity of the electrical current, it is possible to train your pelvic floor in different ways. Depending on the selected program, you can perform more targeted training suited to the type of incontinence you may have, for example.
Once you feel your pelvic floor enough to contract it yourself, you can switch to a biofeedback device. In any case, it is important to know properly contracting your pelvic floor before starting to use biofeedback technology.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Electrical Stimulation and Biofeedback Devices
Session Duration and Training Frequency
The duration of an electrical stimulation session is generally quite long and depends on the chosen program. Sessions typically last between 20 to 60 minutes. It is also recommended to have sessions 2 to 5 times per week depending on the device.
Biofeedback sessions are shorter, ranging from 5 to 20 minutes. The number of sessions needed depends on the requirement (prevention, urinary incontinence, prolapse, etc.) but can vary between 1 to 5 times per week depending on the case.
For particularly complex situations, the number of treatment sessions can be much higher. One common challenge in pelvic floor rehabilitation is the consistency required to follow a pelvic floor training program, which is often perceived as tedious. In any case, regardless of the method used, to see quick results, it is essential to be as consistent as possible with your exercises.
Recommended Usage Position
The only recommended position with a pelvic floor electrical stimulator is usually the lying down position. These devices are often wired and connected to a control unit, which greatly limits movement.
Biofeedback devices are mostly wireless and connected to a smartphone. This setup allows for greater freedom of movement. Exercises can be performed in various positions such as lying down, sitting, or standing. The movements then closely resemble working under “real-life” conditions.
Ease of Use and Motivation
Electrical stimulation devices are quite simple to use. They generally have few buttons and a small screen displaying session information (program, duration, stimulation intensity). However, be cautious during use, as the user may experience discomfort or pain. This usually happens if the user incorrectly adjusts the intensity of the electrical current.
Like pelvic floor electrical stimulators, biofeedback devices are also easy to use. The smartphone provides guidance to the user. The exercises to be performed during the session are presented on the screen in the form of interactive games.
The user sees their contractions in real time. Biofeedback devices do not deliver electrical impulses or vibrations. Therefore, discomfort is less common with this type of device.
Additionally, biofeedback devices allow for tracking progress and work done over time. of various muscle indicators. You could compare them to virtual "coaches" who help you stay motivated over time to do your pelvic floor training exercises.
Some devices, like the Emy pelvic floor trainer, even offer treatment personalization by a healthcare professional to tailor home training to each individual. This is a real advantage because it allows each person to perform more targeted strengthening. Thanks to customized exercises, users train at home with maximum effectiveness.
Learn more about the Emy trainer
Electrical Stimulation or Biofeedback for Your Pelvic Floor?
Both techniques have their own advantages and features. If you had to remember just one key difference? In one case, you are passive (pelvic floor electrical stimulation), and in the other, you are active (biofeedback). So, depending on your main motivation and situation, one may suit you better than the other.
Can’t feel your pelvic floor or unsure how to contract it? Start with electrical stimulation sessions.
Already know how to contract your pelvic floor well? Want to keep strengthening it to develop reflex contractions that protect you in daily life? Biofeedback is made for you!
Is your pelvic floor perhaps too tight and not relaxed? Are you dealing with a mental health condition or severe depression? Both biofeedback and electrical stimulation might not be suitable for you or your situation. The safest option is to consult a healthcare professional to find the best solution for you.
Take good care of yourself… and your pelvic floor 🌸
