Biofeedback

WHAT IS BIOFEEDBACK?

Biofeedback is a very specific training technique that can be used to change behaviors and processes. This is done by monitoring a person’s body (physiology) with sensitive electronic equipment and then “feeding back” the information to the person via a  computer monitor, so that she or he may use that information to make the necessary changes.

Biofeedback equipment can monitor and measure physiological events such as muscle activity and tension, skin temperature, sweat gland response, heart rate and breathing rate. These events can be monitored in real time as they are happening in the body. As a result, a person can learn to voluntarily control them, rather than simply letting them happen on their own, involuntarily. This is a very empowering process, as it teaches people that they can regulate their own bodies to help improve their health and well-being.

WHAT BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING CAN ADDRESS:

  • Headaches (Tension, Migraine)
  • Chronic Pain
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety/Depression
  • TMJ Dysfunction and Bruxism
  • Essential Hypertension
  • Raynaud’s Disease
  • Stress Management

 

PAIN AND STRESS MANAGEMENT: AN EXAMPLE OF BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING IN USE

“In my private practice, I often use biofeedback to teach people who have chronic pain or headaches ways to manage their pain. First, they learn different breathing and muscle relaxation techniques to reduce muscle tension, increase blood circulation, decrease nerve impingement and reduce anxiety or stress related to their pain. Later, when they have begun to master those skills, they learn neuromuscular reeducation techniques to reduce muscle bracing and guarding habits, reduce overcompensation of other muscle groups and improve postural habits. ” —- Jessica Graves, M.A., L.P.C., B.C.I.A.C.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN A BIOFEEDBACK SESSION

Biofeedback training takes place in a quiet, comfortable office environment. Training sessions are usually one hour in length, and are generally scheduled once per week. The number of sessions generally ranges anywhere from 3 to 12 sessions, depending on a person’s needs. Training is completed when a person demonstrates the ability to use the techniques learned in the sessions independently and successfully.

THE ESSENCE OF BIOFEEDBACK

Biofeedback is a mirror that enables self-regulation. It is a safe, non-invasive short-term training method that uses active, individualized, empowering techniques to produce long-lasting effects.

BIOFEEDBACK TRAINING REFERENCES

Websites

  • http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/biofeedback/MY01072
  • http://www.aapb.org/consumers.html
  • http://www.bcia.org
  • http://www.bio-medical.com/news.cfm

Videos

  • http://iniww.com/videos/biofeedback-videos-1/video/iup0msVJeAI&feature=youtube_gdata

Books

  • Gray Matter: Biofeedback, Krista West, series edited by Eric H. Chudler, Ph.D.