TESLAFormer vs TESLAChair: Core Strength or Pelvic Floor?
If you've been researching TESLAFormer or TESLAChair, you've probably noticed they're often grouped together. While both use the same advanced Functional Magnetic Stimulation (FMS) technology to trigger thousands of powerful muscle contractions, they're actually designed to treat very different concerns.
So which treatment is right for you?
The answer depends on what you're trying to achieve.
If your goal is a stronger, more defined core or improved muscle tone, TESLAFormer is likely the better choice.
If you're experiencing bladder leakage, pelvic floor weakness, or postpartum changes, TESLAChair is specifically designed for those concerns.
This guide explains the differences and helps you determine which treatment is best suited to your goals.
What Is Functional Magnetic Stimulation?
Both TESLAFormer and TESLAChair use high-intensity electromagnetic energy to stimulate motor nerves, causing muscles to contract far more intensely than is possible during voluntary exercise.
These are known as supramaximal contractions; deep, powerful muscle contractions that help strengthen muscle fibres, improve neuromuscular control and build functional strength.
Unlike electrical stimulation, there are:
- No electrodes
- No needles
- Generally well tolerated, with intensity adjusted to your comfort level.
- No downtime
You simply remain fully clothed throughout treatment.
TESLAFormer vs TESLAChair: Key Differences
|
Feature |
TESLAFormer |
TESLAChair |
|
Primary Purpose |
Core strengthening, muscle toning, rehabilitation |
Pelvic floor strengthening and continence support |
|
Treatment Area |
Abdomen, glutes, thighs, arms, calves |
Pelvic floor muscles |
|
Best For |
Core weakness, muscle conditioning, fitness, rehabilitation |
Urinary incontinence, postpartum recovery, pelvic floor weakness |
|
Position |
Reclined on treatment bed |
Sitting comfortably in specialised chair |
|
Clothing |
Remain fully clothed |
Remain fully clothed |
|
Sensation |
Strong muscle contractions similar to intense exercise |
Deep internal pelvic floor contractions without internal devices |
|
Downtime |
None |
None |
|
Typical Course |
6–8 treatments |
6–8 treatments |
What Is TESLAFormer Best For?
TESLAFormer is designed to strengthen larger skeletal muscle groups throughout the body.
At The White Room Clinic, it's commonly used to improve:
- Core strength
- Abdominal muscle tone
- Glute activation
- Muscle conditioning
- Post-injury rehabilitation (where appropriate)
- General strength and functional fitness
Many clients choose TESLAFormer because they're:
- Returning to exercise after injury
- Looking to improve muscle activation
- Wanting additional support alongside their gym routine
- Struggling to engage deep core muscles effectively
One 30-minute treatment can generate thousands of repeated muscle contractions, providing an intensity that is difficult to achieve through conventional exercise alone.
What Is TESLAChair Best For?
TESLAChair targets an entirely different muscle group: the pelvic floor.
The pelvic floor is responsible for supporting the bladder, bowel and reproductive organs while helping maintain urinary continence.
Weakness can occur due to:
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Menopause
- Ageing
- High-impact exercise
- Pelvic surgery
- Chronic straining
- Prostate surgery (in men)
TESLAChair helps strengthen these muscles non-invasively by stimulating them with high-intensity magnetic energy while you remain comfortably seated.
Many clients seek treatment for:
- Bladder leakage when coughing, laughing or exercising
- Urgency
- Reduced pelvic floor strength
- Postpartum recovery
- Reduced confidence during exercise
Myth Vs Fact
|
Myth |
Fact |
|
"TESLAChair is just for women after childbirth." |
Pelvic floor weakness affects both women and men of all ages. |
|
"TESLAFormer helps with bladder leakage." |
TESLAFormer strengthens larger skeletal muscles—not the pelvic floor. TESLAChair is specifically designed for pelvic floor rehabilitation. |
|
"You have to remove your clothing." |
Both treatments are performed fully clothed. |
|
"The treatments are painful." |
Most clients describe the sensation as strong muscle contractions rather than pain. Intensity is adjusted to your comfort level. |
|
"One treatment is enough." |
Muscle strengthening requires a series of treatments, similar to exercise training. |
TESLAFormer vs TESLAChair: Which Should You Choose?
Choose TESLAFormer if your goal is:
✔ Improve core strength
✔ Strengthen abdominal muscles
✔ Build muscle tone
✔ Improve athletic performance
✔ Support rehabilitation
✔ Enhance overall muscle conditioning
Choose TESLAChair if your goal is:
✔ Improve bladder control
✔ Reduce urinary leakage
✔ Strengthen your pelvic floor
✔ Recover after childbirth
✔ Improve pelvic floor function during menopause
✔ Support recovery after prostate surgery
Can You Combine TESLAFormer and TESLAChair?
Absolutely. Many clients benefit from addressing both the deep abdominal muscles and the pelvic floor.
These muscle groups work together to:
- Stabilise the spine
- Improve posture
- Support the lower back
- Maintain continence
- Improve movement efficiency
For postpartum women, peri-menopausal women and individuals recovering from injury, combining both treatments can provide a more comprehensive rehabilitation program.
During your consultation, we'll assess your goals and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
What Do TESLA Treatments Feel Like?
TESLAFormer feels like an intense workout where the muscles repeatedly contract and relax.
TESLAChair produces deep pelvic floor contractions without the need for internal probes or exercises.
Both treatments are:
- Comfortable
- Non-invasive
- Needle-free
- Performed fully clothed
- Require no recovery time
Many clients return straight to work afterwards.
Who May Not Be Suitable?
A consultation is essential before treatment.
TESLA technology may not be suitable for individuals with:
- Cardiac pacemakers
- Implanted electronic devices
- Certain metal implants
- Pregnancy
- Certain neurological or medical conditions
We'll complete a comprehensive medical assessment before recommending treatment.
TESLAFormer and TESLAChair FAQs
Does TESLAFormer help with urinary incontinence?
No. TESLAFormer is designed to strengthen larger skeletal muscles such as the abdominal muscles and glutes. For pelvic floor weakness or bladder leakage, TESLAChair is the more appropriate treatment.
Can men have TESLAChair treatments?
Yes. Pelvic floor weakness affects both men and women. TESLAChair is commonly used to support pelvic floor rehabilitation and improve urinary control in appropriate candidates.
How many treatments will I need?
Most clients benefit from a course of 6–8 treatments, although this may vary depending on your goals and muscle condition.
Are the results permanent?
Like any muscle-strengthening program, ongoing maintenance helps preserve results. We often recommend periodic maintenance treatments alongside regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits.
Can I combine TESLAFormer with my gym program?
Absolutely. TESLAFormer complements strength training by improving muscle recruitment and activation, particularly in individuals who struggle to engage certain muscle groups effectively.
Book a TESLAFormer or TESLAChair Consultation in Perth
At The White Room Clinic, we don't believe in one-size-fits-all treatments.
Every consultation begins with a thorough assessment of your health history, lifestyle and goals so we can recommend the treatment that will genuinely benefit you.
Whether you're looking to rebuild core strength, improve pelvic floor function or both, we'll create a personalised treatment plan designed around your individual needs.
Not sure whether TESLAFormer or TESLAChair is right for you?
Book a consultation at The White Room Clinic in West Leederville. We'll assess your goals, health history and suitability and recommend the most appropriate treatment option for you.