Biofeedback: Learn to Control Your Body’s Reactions

Based on: Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a method that teaches you to control automatic bodily functions such as heart rate, muscle tension, breathing, sweating, skin temperature, blood pressure, and even brain waves. By learning to control these functions, you can improve your health, alleviate chronic pain, reduce stress, or enhance your physical or mental performance (sometimes called peak performance training).

During biofeedback training, sensors attached to the body detect changes in pulse, skin temperature, muscle tension, brainwave patterns, or other physiological functions. These changes trigger a signal—sound, flashing light, or a changing pattern on a video screen—that informs you when a physiological change has occurred. Gradually, with the help of a biofeedback therapist, you can learn to alter the signal by consciously controlling automatic bodily functions.

What is Biofeedback Used For?

While biofeedback has been used to treat various health problems, the scientific evidence is mixed on its effectiveness for most conditions. However, there are exceptions. Numerous studies show that biofeedback can reduce migraine and tension headaches. It may also be effective for certain types of urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, anal pain related to excessive muscle spasms, and constipation caused by problems with rectal muscles.

Biofeedback był stosowany w celu zmniejszenia objawów u niektórych osób z:

• Chronic pain

• Migraine

• Fibromyalgia

• Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)

• Digestive disorders, including constipation

• Urinary and fecal incontinence

• High blood pressure

• Heart rhythm disorders (cardiac arrhythmia)

• Addictions, including alcohol

• Epilepsy

• Paralysis and certain movement disorders

• Spinal cord injury

• Sleep disorders

• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

• Bedwetting (enuresis)

• Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

• Anxiety disorders

• Panic attacks

Preparation

For those trying biofeedback, some preparation can be helpful. This preparation may include:

• Reading about biofeedback to get a general idea of the process before starting

• Being motivated to commit the time and effort required to complete biofeedback training

How Does it Work?

Biofeedback requires motivation, time, effort, practice, and honest communication with the therapist. The therapist will discuss your symptoms and expectations, medical history, current medications, and any other treatments you’ve tried before biofeedback. The therapist will talk about the outcomes you wish to achieve and the results you can expect. You’ll also be introduced to biofeedback equipment.

The therapist will connect you to the biofeedback equipment. Sensors will detect your body’s reactions, and the type of sensor depends on the process being measured. For example, in muscle biofeedback, you may have sensors attached to the muscles of your head, neck, and jaw. For temperature biofeedback, sensors may be attached to your fingertips or toes. As you learn to control certain unconscious body functions, the biofeedback equipment will signal your progress with a tone, flashing light, or a changing pattern on a video screen.

The number of sessions required varies. Consistent practice will help you remember the training and reinforce the learning.

Follow-Up

After completing biofeedback sessions, you can return to the therapist’s office whenever you feel the need.

If you are under a doctor’s care, continue communicating with your doctor and attending follow-up appointments. Any changes to your treatment plan should be made in collaboration with your doctor.

Risks

Biofeedback is generally a safe form of therapy.