How many BetterPelvi sessions will I need?
If you’re going to commit time and money to a treatment programme, you want to know what you’re signing up for before you start. The number of sessions needed for long-term improvement varies from person to person, and we’ll give you a personalised estimate at your consultation.
Here’s what we can tell you before you step through the door.
Why does the number of sessions matter?
BetterPelvi works by generating targeted muscle contractions across all three layers of the pelvic floor, including the deep layer that exercises can’t reach. This is rehabilitative treatment, not a quick fix. Like osteopathy for your back or shoulder, a number of treatments are needed to consolidate the results. In the case of your pelvic floor, the neuromuscular system responds to repetitive stimulation.
If you come in for prevention because you don’t want to suffer with incontinence like your mother in later life, you are likely to need fewer sessions than someone whose symptoms have been causing significant dysfunction over many years.
A rough guide to programme length
While every patient is different, we see four broad patterns in the clinic:
- Prevention – 10 sessions estimated
If you don’t have significant symptoms yet (very often, the signs are there but patients do not realise that it is down to their pelvic floor), a prevention package to future proof your pelvic floor may be a quick and effective way to nip things in the bud.
This is about staying fit for longer.
- Mild changes – 20 sessions estimated
If you’re experiencing increased frequency, sudden urgency – perhaps since having children – or maybe you’ve entered the perimenopause.
This is about increasing strength.
- Impact on quality of life – 30 sessions estimated
If your symptoms are having an impact on your confidence, activity levels or relationships, for example ‘latchkey syndrome’, leaking, or needing to change your clothes.
This is the most common programme length for patients who’ve tried pelvic floor exercises, pelvic floor physiotherapy, and gadgets without the results they were hoping for. BetterPelvi’s neuromuscular rehabilitation works deeper.
This is about rebuilding strength and confidence
4. Complex presentations, prolapse or post-surgical recovery – 40 sessions estimated
Have you been told that the only option is surgery, botox, or medication?
BetterPelvi can significantly strengthen the supporting muscles and improve symptoms associated with prolapse, post-surgery recovery, and faecal and urinary incontinence. It’s also the package recommended for men recovering from prostate surgery, where the evidence base for this length of treatment is well established..
Some other clinics offer 6 sessions, why are these packages longer?
We are aware that 6 sessions are routinely marketed, regardless of individual circumstances, but the reality is that 6 sessions would not have a long-term impact on your symptoms even if you did start to feel some changes. More sessions or further packages would likely be required.
We act with professional candour by managing expectations upfront. Unlike many establishments offering one-size-fits-all packages, we take the time to understand your individual circumstances and your goals. We are a private healthcare practice and our operating standards are underpinned by professional ethics and improving the quality of life of our patients. We are not after a quick flash in the pan.
At this relatively early stage of BetterPelvi being used in the UK, it is paramount to educate patients on how to optimise treatment outcome through treatment compliance.
Ask yourself if you could develop big biceps at the gym and maintain the results in 6 sessions? You wouldn’t. Biceps are easy to target and strengthen in comparison to the more complex pelvic floor – especially the innermost layer. This layer carries at least 20 kgs of organs, is frequently affected by inflammatory fluid, and is highly dependent on anxiety levels.
Signature Health is a pelvic floor and pain clinic with experience in treating a wide range of long-term conditions. You are safe in the knowledge that your treatment is managed with integrity, and professional and personal knowledge of complex health issues.
How long does it take, and how often would I have to come?
BetterPelvi sessions are 28 minutes and we recommend two sessions a week throughout your package for best results.
It is a short-term investment in yourself and your long-term health. Imagine how different your life would be if you didn’t have to constantly think about where the nearest toilet is, how much money you would save if you no longer had to wear pads, if you could walk the dog without having to find a bush to go behind, or how you would feel if your sleep wasn’t broken by waking up for the loo!
As one of our patients recently said during her BetterPelvi session:
“The way I see it, if the suspension in your car needed fixing you’d have to get it sorted if you want it to keep going. I want my body to keep going for a long time to come, so I’m investing the time in getting it sorted. I’ve put up with leaking for a long time, and if there’s a way to improve that and get my life back then I’ve got to give it a go”
What about the cost?
Packages paid upfront offer the best value for money, and we will recommend the one best suited for your condition, out of the following options:
10 sessions – £490 (equivalent of £49 per session)
20 sessions – £780 (equivalent of £39 per session)
30 sessions – £990 (equivalent of £33 per session)
40 sessions – £1,120 (equivalent of £28 per session)
Monthly instalments are available.
By contrast, our pay-as-you-go rate is £50 per session.
What we tell everyone
The numbers above are guides, not prescriptions. Many factors may influence your progress. Whether you choose a package or PAYG, compliance to frequency and number of sessions is key.
Most of our patients tell us they wish they’d come sooner. Whenever you’re ready, we’re here.