Fear of pain and re-injury can often inhibit recovery following knee surgery. This often results in avoidance of physical activity and the development of deconditioning syndrome-decreased muscle strength, limited range of motion, even weakness in the cardiovascular system. One remedy, according to a study in the November 2010 issue of Biofeedback, is surface electromyography (SEMG)-a noninvasive procedure in which the electrical activity of muscle groups is detected and analyzed during contraction and relaxation. SEMG assessment takes place several weeks after physical therapy has begun. The patient performs prescribed exercises, then muscle inhibition is determined by SEMG, which may indicate that the knee is capable of stronger contraction or may not have reached its full range of motion.
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