Biofeedback Training

Biofeedback is a noninvasive and non-drug mind-body technique that measures regulatory mechanisms and systems that were once thought of as being involuntary, such as:

Muscle Tension
Blood Pressure
Heart Rate

Once our trained biofeedback therapist assesses the patient's condition based on the biofeedback measurements, we train patients on how to control the physiological and neurological processes of these systems and mechanisms for the purpose of improving physical, mental and/or emotional health.

Using a screen and specialized equipment that converts the physiological and neurological signals to meaningful visual and auditory cues, our specially trained therapists guide patients into developing control over body functions that were once considered involuntary by teaching them how to focus on and modify signals from their bodies.

Patients also practice these techniques between sessions so that they get to where they can recognize and use internal cues to help them change the way their bodies respond to such conditions as chronic pain, stress and anxiety. Biofeedback is also used to teach patients neuromuscular control to help with such conditions as constipation or incontinence for improved pelvic floor health, as well as retraining muscles after injuries and surgeries. Relaxation exercises, such as imagery relaxation, progressive relaxation, mindful meditation and imagery change are used to complement biofeedback training.

Biofeedback training sessions typically take about 30 - 60 minutes with a course of treatment generally being about 2-3 months. Some patients may be treated for longer periods of time.

Types of Biofeedback

The following are examples of some common biofeedback methods and conditions they are used to treat:

Surface electromyography (sEMG)

Surface electromyography (sEMG) feedback, which measures muscle activity, are used to treat such conditions as:

Tension Headache
Chronic Pain
Spasmodic Torticollis
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD / TMJ)
Chronic Lower Back Pain

Thermal biofeedback (TBF)

Thermal biofeedback (TBF) measures skin temperature and is used to treat such conditions as vascular headaches and Raynaud's disease. It is also helpful for treating stress.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Electroencephalography (EEG) feedback (also known as Neurofeedback), which measures brain activity, is used to treat such conditions as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), seizure disorders, sleep disturbances and addiction recovery. It is also used for neuromuscular reeducation and therapeutic exercise.

Electromyography (EMG)

Electromyography (EMG) is used to treat urinary and bowel incontinence and some types of pelvic pain because it measures muscle tension. Women cannot see the pelvic floor muscles, so biofeedback provides graphs and audible tones to show the women what muscles they are exercising and helps the therapist measure muscle strength and adjust the treatment to suit individual needs. It is also used to help retrain muscles following an injury or surgery.

Electrodermograph (EDG)

Electrodermograph (EDG) directly and indirectly measures skin electrical activity. It is used to treat such conditions as excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis), grand mal seizures, stress and anxiety. This is the biofeedback method used in polygraphs, too.

Biofeedback has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of conditions. It's invasive and could be an excellent treatment option for people who either do not tolerate medicines well or simply want a drug-free option for pain or stress relief. No special preparation is needed for biofeedback training sessions and there are no side effects.