 |
The Essence of Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a mirror that enables self-regulation. It is a safe, non-invasive short-term treatment that uses active, individualized, empowering techniques to produce long-lasting effects.
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 the 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 Can Treat
- Headaches (Tension, Migraine)
- Chronic pain
- Insomnia
- Anxiety/Depression
- TMK Dysfunction and Bruxism
- Essential hypertension
- Raynaud's disease
- Stress Management
Pain and Stress Management
At PBSC, we 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. 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.
What to Expect
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 ranges anywhere from 4 to 12 sessions, depending on the patient's needs. Training is completed when a patient demonstrates the ability to use the techniques learned independently and successfully.
References
- Books
- Biofeedback, Third Edition: A Practioner's Guide, edited by Mark S. Schwartz, Ph.D. and Frank Andrasik, Ph.D.
- Evidence-Based Practice in Biofeedback and Neurofeedback, Carolyn Yucha, Ph.D. and Christopher Gilbert, Ph.D.
|
