Myofeedback

Muscles emit small electrical signals. Myofeedback measures a muscle’s electrical signal with electrodes. Myofeedback or 'muscle feedback' in this way provides information about the activity of a muscle at rest and during movement.

How does myofeedback work?

An examination with myofeedback indicates whether a muscle is relaxed or very tense. Via a signal it is visible and/or audible what the level of muscle activity is. Myofeedback is very similar to the examination we call electromyography, also known as EMG examination.

Myofeedback can be used as a supplement to the physical examination, but also during treatment. A physiotherapist looks in the examination to see whether a muscle has too high or too low a tension and whether this is causing the symptoms.

In treatment, the focus is on consciously contracting or relaxing the relevant muscle(s). This is done using the feedback the device provides, followed by (relaxation) exercises and further advice. In time, the right balance should be restored, even without using the myofeedback device.

Pelvic physiotherapists regularly use myofeedback to measure pelvic floor muscle activity. But it is also a useful aid for people who, for example, sit very tensely at their desk and develop neck and back complaints as a result. Here it is also very important to look at posture and workstation and make adjustments if necessary.

There are also portable myofeedback devices. The advantage is that these can be worn during daily activities. In this way they measure muscle tension over a longer period.