As part of the physiotherapy treatment for these various conditions, it is important to strengthen and/or relax and re-educate the pelvic muscles. Biofeedback assists the rehabilitation of the pelvic muscles. Biofeedback measures physiological responses such as blood flow, muscle contraction and heart rate. Modern technology translates information from the body via internal vaginal or anal sensors (probes or external patch electrodes) through specialized computers onto a computer screen. This visual display, gives you instant feedback regarding the activity of the pelvic muscles. The type of biofeedback used for physiotherapy treatment is surface electromyography (EMG). As the pelvic muscles squeeze (contract) and release (relax) the sensor, you learn how to correctly contract and relax the pelvic muscles. The biofeedback sessions teach you how to modify past muscle behaviour and develop voluntary pelvic muscle control. This new ability and awareness allow you to do a home exercise program of pelvic muscle exercises, on your own as part of the treatment program. The biofeedback (EMG) graph at the top illustrates 1. a rest cycle 2. a long pelvic muscle contraction 3. a rest cycle 4. a series of rapid pelvic muscle contractions alternating with relaxation between each contraction. The bottom graph shows a minimum amount of abdominal muscle activity during pelvic rest and contraction cycles. Progression of treatment requires some simultaneous abdominal and pelvic muscle co-contraction during the active cycle.