Biofeedback

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is the noninvasive use of instrumentation to view the psychophysiological processes which you are not normally aware of and to learn to bring them into voluntary control. What this means, is that individuals can learn to affect changes in their bodies that are directly related to levels of stress, anxiety, pain and concentration. This information can affect many physiological systems including muscle tension (electromyogram), perspiration levels (electrodermal response), skin temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, brain wave activity (electroencephalographic feedback) and more.

What can I gain from Biofeedback?

The biofeedback instruments are but a guide for the patient. The focus of the training is on the self-relaxation techniques that the patient learns. As the patient masters these powerful yet easy to learn techniques, he is able to see the immediate effects that they have on his stress levels. The goal is to learn to recognize the body's early signs of stress and to reduce them. The patient learns to regain control over stress, anxiety and tension, and to activate the body's healing mechanisms.

How is Biofeedback Training done?

Biofeedback protocols vary in the types of instrumentation used, the number of sessions required and the kind of follow-up needed to maintain established benefits. Each training session usually lasts less than an hour. It is done in an office setting on an individual basis. Depending on the condition, it requires about 10 sessions, usually once a week, and less frequently as training progresses. Audio tapes can be recorded, so that patients can practice at home. Neurofeedback training for ADD usually entails 20 to 40 bi-weekly 45-minute sessions during which the patient, wired to an EEG machine, plays a video game that he or she must control by modulating brain waves.

Clinical Applications of Biofeedback

Physiological Applications

  • Cardiovascular disorders- (Hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, tachycardia).
  • Migraine, cluster and tension headaches.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders- (IBS, reflux disease, ulcerative colitis).
  • Peripheral vascular disorders- (Raynaud’s disease).
  • Respiratory disorders- (asthma, COPD).
  • Neuromuscular disorders.
  • Neck and lower-back pain.
  • Tics, bruxism and TMJ.
  • Incontinence.

Chronic Conditions and Immune System Disorders

  • Autoimmune disorders- (rheumatoid arthritis, MS, SLE).
  • Specialized pain conditions- (fibromyalgia, RSD, etc.).
  • Cancer.

Mental Health Conditions

  • ADD/ADHD.
  • Anxiety disorders and phobias.
  • Behavioral and adjustment disorders.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorders.
  • Anger management.
  • General stress management.

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