Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a set of therapeutic procedures that are used in behavioral medicine. When under stress, the body's skeletal muscle groups in the shoulder, neck, jaw and head tend to tighten; the blood vessels of the arms and legs constrict; the heart beats faster and the body produces more sweat. Prolonged or frequent triggering of these natural stress responses is a known contributor to many disease processes. Biofeedback techniques provide a measurement of these stress symptoms and help an individual learn to self-regulate these various body reactions.

Some medical problems which may be successfully treated with biofeedback include:

• anxiety disorders
• asthma
• chronic pain
• headaches
• insomnia
• jaw pain
• Raynaud's phenomenon (a circulatory problem of the hands and/or feet)

Instruments

Biofeedback instruments are important while a person learns self-regulation. Similar to a mirror, feedback from the instruments helps the individual gain control of both mental and physical processes that can enhance his/her functioning. Typically in order to learn control of the body, biofeedback is combined with relaxation procedures such as muscle relaxation, breathing from the diaphragm or visualization.

Techniques

Each technique has a sensor that is attached differently to the person's skin. It is a painless procedure, similar to using a Band-Aid.

• With electromygraphic (EMG) biofeedback, a skin patch measures the electrical activity of the skeletal muscles. It is used in general relaxation training and is a primary method for treating tension headaches, jaw problems and chronic pain.
• Thermal (blood flow) feedback uses a sensitive, finely tuned thermostat attached to the finger to measure the blood flow in the skin. It is used in general relaxation training primarily for treating migraine headaches, Raynaud's disease and essential hypertension.
• Electrodermal (EDG) biofeedback is a technique that measures skin conductance through a sensor placed on the finger and is used for general relaxation training.

Other biofeedback methods include heart rate and respiration biofeedback and electroencephalo-graph (EEG) biofeedback.

Treatment time

The treatment time depends upon the type of medical problem and its severity. It also depends on the individual's motivation. Some disorders can be treated in six to 10 sessions; others require longer treatments. Learning to change body functions is a skill which requires regular practice to achieve and maintain a lessening of the symptoms.

Fees

The cost is usually based on the current clinical hourly fee and is comparable to other professional services such as psychotherapy. Biofeedback is covered by many health insurance plans under the mental health benefit category or major medical benefits. You should consult your health plan before starting a biofeedback therapy program.

Continue to see your regular doctor

Biofeedback therapy is only one part of your whole medical treatment plan, so it is important to continue to see your health care provider while your medical condition is being treated. With your approval, your biofeedback therapist will consult with your medical provider regarding your diagnosis and progress.

For more about biofeedback, talk with your health care provider.

Related Links

Controlling pain with biofeedback: Josephine's story

Allina Mental Health

Integrative, complementary or alternative medicine

First published: 09/16/1999
Last updated: 04/22/2005

Reviewed by: Tim Gibbs, MD, medical director, Outpatient Clinic, Abbott Northwestern Hospital Behavioral Health Services; Paul Goering, MD, medical director, United Hospital Behavioral Health Services; Donna Krzmarzick, RN, director, Cambridge Medical Center Behavioral Health Services; Susan Tabor, RN, BSN, director, United Hospital Behavioral Health Services; Dianne Timmer, RN, behavioral health services lead, Abbott Northwestern Hospital; Mark Zipper, PhD, behavioral health services director, Allina Medical Clinic