Neotonus Magnetic Chair

 

The Neotonus Chair is a non-surgical, non-invasive, medication-free therapy for the treatment of stress, urge and mixed incontinence. It is also effective for the treatment of overactive bladder. Dr Warren Kennedy is the only specialist in Southern Tasmania offering this therapy. An upgrade to his Neotonus chair has recently been completed. Dr Kennedy has bookings available for assessment of patients with incontinence. An initial consultation is required where Dr. Kennedy will assess the medical condition and recommend a treatment programme. The chair sessions are then bulk billed for the duration of the treatment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Neotonus Chair is an effective, painless and non-invasive method for treating urinary incontinence utilising Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation (ExMI) technology. The Neotonus system directly stimulates the pelvic floor muscles and sacral nerves without pain or the insertion of invasive needles or devices within the vagina. No active participation by the patient is required. Whilst the Neotonus Chair helps restore control, long term benefit is also dependent on the patient’s willingness to change behavioural habits (diet, weight loss, medications, exercise, etc.). It is essential that the use of the Neotonus Chair is integrated within a program of functional pelvic floor exercises with a trained pelvic floor physiotherapist.

 

A course of between 16 and 20 sequential treatments is normally prescribed. Treatments can be effective for up to 12 months or more. Some patients may need to repeat treatments periodically to maintain symptom control. Results vary from patient to patient; symptoms of urgency are often reduced after the 2nd or 3rd treatment. An improvement in stress incontinence may be seen by the 8th treatment, and in most cases, a patient will see improvements by completion of the 20-minute course of 16-20 treatments. Patients affected with urge symptoms are most likely to show a significant improvement.

 

While sitting in the magnetic chair, patients feel a small vibration or tapping and will feel their pelvic floor muscles contracting. They may also see the muscles in their thighs contract or twitch. In some cases the pelvic floor muscles may feel tender or fatigued afterwards but only for a short time.

 

Some patients report soreness in the pelvic floor muscles after their first few treatments. In most cases, the pelvic floor muscles have not been used for quite a while, and can become “sore” and fatigued after being contracted during Neotonus treatment just as is normal after exercising. As the muscles being to build strength and endurance during repeated treatments, they will no longer experience soreness. Some patients also report an increase in leakage after the first few treatments – this is due to the fatigued muscles. This should resolve by the fourth or fifth treatment.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Does the Neotonus Pelvic Floor Therapy System work for all types of incontinence?

NeoControl is intended for treating stress, urge or mixed incontinence. The best results are often seen with urge incontinence. It is not designed to treat overflow incontinence. Patients should consult with Dr Kennedy to see if Neotonus is appropriate for them.

 

If the patient misses a treatment, when should they schedule their next treatment?

Patients should maintain the treatment schedule defined by Dr Kennedy. Should the patient miss a treatment, it should be restarted as soon as possible. As with any treatment program.

 

If the patient has a urinary infection, should they undergo NeoControl therapy?

No, the patient should NOT sit in the chair with an active infection.

 

Can a patient undergo Neotonus treatment even after pelvic surgery?

Yes, Neotonus therapy may benefit a patient following surgery. You should discuss appropriate timing for therapy with Dr Kennedy.

 

Can a patient undergo Neotonus therapy after childbirth? If so, how soon?

Yes, NeoControl therapy may benefit a patient following childbirth. You should discuss appropriateness for therapy with your doctor. Usually treatment can be considered following the six week post partum visit.

 

Can I receive Neotonus therapy during my menstrual period?

Yes, you can receive therapy during your menstrual period. The treatment will not affect your flow. However, some patients have reported increased and/or decreased menstrual cramping immediately after treatment. The Neotonus chair is currently being investigated as a possible treatment for painful periods.

 

Is it safe to wear a tampon during a Neotonus treatment?

Yes, it is safe to wear a tampon during treatment.

 

Is it safe to wear a diaphragm during a Neotonus treatment?

Yes, it is safe to wear a diaphragm during treatment.

 

Should a patient remove a pessary before sitting in the “Chair”?

It is not necessary to remove a pessary before sitting in the “Chair”. 

 

Should a patient with vulvodynia undergo Neotonus therapy?

Yes, a patient with vulvodynia may undergo Neotonus therapy.

 

Should a patient with interstitial cystitis undergo Neotonus therapy?

Yes, a patient with interstitial cystitis may undergo Neotonus therapy.

 

Can a pregnant patient undergo treatment?

No, the Neotonus therapy should not be used during pregnancy due to the possible risk of miscarriage and potential damage to the developing foetus.

 

Should paediatric patients undergo Neotonus therapy?

There is insufficient clinical evidence for children to be treated at this point.

 

When should I expect to see results?

Results vary from patient to patient; symptoms of urgency are often reduced after the 2nd or 3rd treatment. An improvement in stress incontinence may be seen by the 8th treatment, and in most cases, a patient will see improvements by completion of the 20-minute course of 16-20 treatments. Data from US clinical studies indicate that 50 percent of women who completed six weeks of NeoControl therapy reported being "completely dry" and an additional 30 percent reported "significant improvement" in their conditions.

 

Should I continue Neotonus therapy even after becoming dry?

Yes, you should follow the treatment prescription that your physician has defined for you.

 

Should I continue to perform pelvic floor exercises while undergoing Neotonus treatment?

You should not perform pelvic floor exercises while actively receiving therapy in the “chair”. We strongly suggest that pelvic floor exercises continue to be included as part of an overall bladder health program. You may also be advised to modify diet, voiding habits and make lifestyle changes.

 

For more information go to HERE.