More U.S. urology centers are starting to offer the treatment. One woman was completely cured. Meanwhile, incontinence sends many senior citizens into nursing homes. The ordinary-looking NeoControl chair, designed by engineers and doctors, is made by Neotonus Inc. of Atlanta. It uses a new technology called Extracorporeal Magnetic Innervation.
Patients sit on the chair, fully clothed, and read or listen to music.
Meanwhile, magnets underneath create powerful pulsing magnetic fields that stimulate pelvic nerves, in turn exercising muscles that control bladder function and increasing circulation. One study funded by Neotonus followed 50 patients for three months after treatment. It is not recommended for children, pregnant women and anyone with a pacemaker or artificial hip, and some patients require surgery. Some patients with severe problems aren't helped, but Hawkin said the chair has great potential for people with mild to moderate stress or urge incontinence. Dr. Gary Leach, director of the Tower Urology Institute for Continence at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, said the best results are in patients who continue doing Kegel exercises and follow other doctors' instructions afterward.