Is exercise therapy done with EMG biofeedback?

EMG biofeedback uses sensors placed on the skin to detect electrical activity in selected muscles. The signal is displayed as a visual or sound cue, giving you immediate information about whether a muscle is contracting, relaxing or working harder than intended. A physiotherapist can use this feedback to refine posture, timing and effort during an exercise.

The technology supports exercise; it does not replace strength, flexibility, balance or functional practice. Some sessions may use it, while others may focus on hands-on instruction or exercises without sensors.

Wear clothing that allows access to the target muscle and tell the therapist about skin irritation, implanted electrical devices, pain or difficulty following the exercise. Try to move naturally rather than chasing a larger signal. The therapist may adjust sensor position, the task or the resistance to match your goal.

Practise the prescribed home exercises with the same breathing and alignment cues, even when the biofeedback equipment is not available. Stop and report a sharp increase in pain, new weakness or unusual symptoms.

Tell your physiotherapist if exercise repeatedly causes increasing pain, swelling, dizziness, numbness or loss of strength. Seek urgent medical care for sudden severe weakness, new loss of bladder or bowel control, chest pain, severe breathlessness or a major injury.

Ask which muscle or movement will be monitored, what the feedback signal means, how it changes your exercise, and how progress will be measured without the device. Clarify the home programme and which symptoms mean you should pause an exercise.