What is Biofeedback Therapy?

Biofeedback therapy is a technique that can help individuals develop ways to manage the functions of their bodies. Biofeedback achieves this through the use of medical sensors that can help individuals obtain more information about their body.

This therapy is often used to help those who are experiencing problems related to the following:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Chronic pain
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder and eating disorders
  • Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Types of Biofeedback Therapy

There are several different types of biofeedback methods that can help people that are experiencing various conditions and symptoms. Depending on the person and treatment needs, he or she might be treated using one or more of the following biofeedback techniques:

  • Brainwaves — After placing sensors placed on the scalp, medical professionals can monitor brain waves with the use of an electroencephalograph (EEG).
  • Respiratory function – To monitor breathing rate, this form of biofeedback therapy requires placement of bands on the chest and stomach
  • Heart rate – Heart rate is monitored by applying sensors to the finger, earlobe, chest, wrists, or torso.
  • Muscles –Electric activity that causes muscles to contract can be monitored by placing sensors over skeletal muscles.
  • Sweat glands – Sensors are applied to the wrists, palms,or fingers to determine sweat gland activity
  • Temperature – Sensors are placed on an individual’s fingers or feet to gauge blood flow.

While each of these processes might initially appear strange, but they can help determine the physiological responses of the body when someone experiences adverse moods such as stress, anxiety, or compulsive behavior.

As “feedback” is monitored, individuals can begin discovering ways to manage their physiological responses to these issues, thereby improving their overall psychological, physical, and spiritual well-being.

What to Expect in a Biofeedback Therapy Session

The notion of biofeedback therapy might be disconcerting to some – the thought of being hooked up to medical devices – but biofeedback therapy is completely painless and can be very effective.

At the beginning of a biofeedback therapy session, the therapist will evaluate the individual’s medical and psychological history and conduct tests to improve understanding of what methods of biofeedback might be the most effective. At that point, therapy begins.

Within about 30-60 minutes, a biofeedback therapist will conduct appropriate tests and inform patients of at-home practices he or she can do to relieve the physiological responses that were identified.

In most cases, biofeedback therapy continues anywhere from two to three months, but some patients choose to participate in sessions for much longer if needed.

Benefits of Biofeedback Therapy

Many benefits that biofeedback therapy offers are specific to the condition that is being treated. But overall, biofeedback therapy can result in a number of benefits for those who participate in one or more forms of this treatment, including the following:

Pain Reduction

Pain relief can be particularly beneficial for those who suffer from an addiction to prescription narcotics after being prescribed them for a pain condition but who now need another form of pain management.

Relief From Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety is a very common mental health condition, and even those who do not suffer from full-fledged anxiety can experience anxious feelings at many times throughout their lives. Biofeedback can provide insight on how to effectively control anxiety.

Indeed, any mental health problem or physical condition can, and often does, produce stress. Using biofeedback therapy, individuals can develop healthier ways to manage that stress.

Other benefits of biofeedback therapy include better sleep, improved impulse control, and maximum gut health.

Getting Help Today Through Our Biofeedback Therapy In Stuart

If you are suffering from addiction and/or a mental health crisis such as an untreated mental illness, you are most likely facing many challenges and finding it difficult to function in your everyday life. Although It might be difficult to accept you have a serious problem and reach out for help, doing so is critical to your overall well-being.

Biofeedback therapy, especially when used in conjunction with other evidence-based therapies, can help you begin to employ healthy coping skills to battle your destructive emotions and behaviors. You have the power to take your well-being into your own hands and improve it – one step at a time.

Please do not wait any longer to seek the treatment that you need to be happy and healthy. Reach out to us today – we can help!

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