Important Details About Biofeedback Therapy

By Enid Hinton


Biofeedback refers to the technique in which one learns how to control body functions like their heart rate. The individual is connected to electrical sensors that help in receiving information about their body. This explains why it is called biofeedback therapy. The individuals are assisted to focus on making such body changes as muscle relaxation. In essence, the person is given the power to use their thought for the control of their body. This is done to help with a health condition or physical performance.

Among the physical conditions that this technique can manage are chronic pain, asthma, constipation and anxiety. There are several reasons why people prefer biofeedback. To begin with, the procedure is non invasive, something that most patients prefer. There is also the fact that it eliminates the need for patients to use medications and is thus a great alternative for persons that may not put up with medications. It is also used in instances when medications have failed to be effective.

Whereas the procedure is generally safe, it is not appropriate for all individuals. There are those that will not benefit from it. The doctor will perform an assessment to find out its suitability to the particular patient. One does not need to have any special preparations for treatment. In order to get the best therapists, the advice of the doctor or any other health specialist will come in handy. They will recommend the best professionals in the market. The majority of specialists in this technique are licensed in other fields like nursing or physical therapy.

During the visit to the potential therapist, one needs to have certain issues clarified before they can settle on them. First and foremost, the therapists need to be registered and licensed. Should they not be licensed, they ought to be working under some licensed professional. The person should have undergone the right training and have the right experience. This meeting will help to determine the number of sessions that will be required. The therapist should give a list of references as proof of their ability.

During the biofeedback sessions, electrical sensors are attached to different parts of the body. The sensors monitor the physiological state of the body such as skin temperature, brain waves or muscle tension. The information is fed back to the individual through cues like a beeping sound or flashing light. This feedback teaches the person to change or control the physiological reaction of the body.

For instance, it will be possible to pinpoint tense muscles that bring about headaches. It will then be up to the patient to learn ways of invoking body physical changes such as relaxing specific muscles for minimization of pain. The ultimate goal is to learn the techniques individually from home.

A typical session will last for between 30 minutes to an hour. Length of the sessions and the number will depend on the condition of the individual and the speed with which they can control physical responses. The procedure may be costly because it is never covered by insurance.

There are a number of forms of biofeedback. Temperature biofeedback, heart rate variability and galvanic skin response are just some of them. Most of the devices made use of are marketed for home use.




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