18. The research behind vaginal devices, chairs, laser and online apps to treat incontinence

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sinéad Dufour, a physiotherapist, researcher and associate clinical professor in the faculty of Health Science at McMaster University to discuss how technology is being used to treat incontinence. Technological devices to treat incontinence like Perifit, Elvie, Emsella chair, laser and apps like Tät use convincing messaging when it comes to addressing leaking. In this episode, we cover:What each device claims to addressThe evidence supporting itHow the device may be used as an adjunct with physiotherapy Dr. Sinéad Dufour is an Associate Clinical Professor in the Faculty of Health Science at McMaster University.  She teaches and conducts research in both the Schools of Medicine and Rehabilitation Science.  She completed her MScPT at McMaster University (2003), her PhD in Health and Rehabilitation Science at Western (2011), and returned to McMaster to complete a post-doctoral fellowship (2013). Her current research interests include: conservative approaches to manage pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy-related pelvic-girdle pain, and interprofessional collaborative practice models of service provision to enhance pelvic health.  Additionally, Sinéad has undergone training in Functional Medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine and is currently completing a full certificate program with Dr. Aviva Romm.   Sinéad stays current clinically through her work as the Director of Pelvic Health Services at The World of my Baby (the WOMB) a family of perinatal care centers in Ontario, Canada.  In addition to managing her own very busy caseload, she mentors novice pelvic health physiotherapists and is a clinical preceptor for family medicine residents and midwifery students from McMaster University.  Sinéad in an invited member on several committees for various organizations including the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada and the International Continence Society. She is also serving as the Guest Editor for the upcoming special issue: Optimizing the Fourth Trimester, for the Women’s Health Physical Therapy Journal. Her passion for optimizing perinatal care and associated upstream health promotion for women and children stemmed from her own experience becoming a mother of twins.  She is an advocate for women’s pelvic health and a regular invited speaker at conferences around the world. Contact Sinéad:InstagramThe WombThanks for joining me! Here is where you can find more:my online course to walk you through pregnancy, birth prep and postpartum recovery: https://mommyberries.comFollow me on:InstagramFacebookYouTubeSupport the show