The MAPLe is a state-of-the-art device used in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction. The 24 electrodes on the vaginal probe can identify inactivity, normal activity and hyperactivity in each individual muscle of the pelvic floor. Such detailed findings are invaluable to planning & providing bespoke pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation.

MAPLe is also able to provide electro-myographic biofeedback to help you activate or release muscles that are not functioning correctly. The device recognises electrical activity within the muscles at rest and during contraction and feeds this back. We can then guide you through the feedback and use it to help you learn how to use your muscles more functionally.

What to expect at my MAPle Initial Assessment

Your first assessment will take around an hour. During this Initial Assessment we will discuss your symptoms and how the MAPLe will work.

Using the MAPLe ‘single-patient-use probe’ that is yours to keep. The probe is small (the size of an average index finger) and easy to insert both vaginally & rectally. There are 24 electrodes along the probe, each able to sense electrical activity in each of the muscles. We will explain and discuss how it will be used in each session.

Using the probe, we will then find your pelvic floor baseline activity at rest. Your muscles will be assessed during a 1 min rest period, 10 repetitions of individual squeezes and then 3x 30 second hold. This will inform your therapist of your specific treatment requirements.

Electrical stimulation can also be applied as a treatment for individual muscles to restore a more normal activity level. If a muscle is over-active, the stimulation can be applied at a dosage that will lower the activity. If the muscle is inactive or under-active, then the electrical stimulation can be provided at a dosage that will increase its activity. Over time, this can then be experienced by you, and you can practice pelvic floor exercises effectively and more functionally.

Electrical stimulation can also be applied to communicate with the nerves of your pelvic region. This can help with pain management and also neuromodulation to aid improvements in bladder and bowel function.

As with any muscle training and rehabilitation, there is a need to work consistently and specifically on the muscles’ needs. As activity normalises then treatment is adapted to fit with the new requirements and demands.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy with MAPLe can, among others, help with the following conditions in both men and women:

• Stress incontinence
• Urge incontinence
• Faecal incontinence
• Overactive bladder / painful bladder syndrome
• Coccyx pain
• Prolapse
• Pain in and around the pelvis