By Moriah Byrd
What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback assists people in learning to control body processes that may be involuntary or hard for them to control depending on what impairments they may have at the time. It can give a visual or auditory representation of what is going on inside of their body in real time. Biofeedback can be used to detect information from the surface of the skin or it could be done by placing something inside the body as well. This type of treatment is usually guided by a trained practitioner but can also be taught so it could be used as a part of home therapy.
When Should Biofeedback Be Used?
This type of technique can be used when you need to associate a feeling or action with a specific outcome. For example, when relaxing or contracting a muscle the biofeedback can give you a visual or auditory representation of how much or how little you may be using an individual or group of muscles. Having the visual cueing can help with stability if someone needs to turn on a muscle, or relaxation if they need to learn to turn it off. It could also be beneficial for coordination and muscle synergy to make sure the right muscles are firing when performing certain activities. Biofeedback can be utilized to track heart rate/blood pressure, either to help you stay within a certain range while performing activities. It could be used for psychotherapy, in terms of stress management. This type of treatment can give a visual representation of how you may react to different stimuli, which could be used in adjunct to other therapies such as breathing techniques etc. to have better regulation of emotions. Another time this treatment may be useful is if current treatment is producing an insufficient response, no response at all, medication isn’t being tolerated or if pharmacological treatment is advised against.
Biofeedback Patient Education
- The sensors could either be placed on the skin or inside the body to be able to get feedback from the muscles and change it into a visual or audible measurement
- It should not hurt
- It should not cause a shock sensation
- Have the care provider explain what the signals mean when first learning to use the machine
Biofeedback Therapy in Queensbury & Saratoga
Biofeedback therapy is not just about managing symptoms, it’s about empowering individuals to gain awareness and take control of their lives. By working closely with a skilled physical therapist and adhering to a personalized treatment plan, individuals can significantly improve their physical, mental and emotional health, and enhance their overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is struggling with high blood pressure, headaches, chronic pain, urinary incontinence, anxiety, depression, or other physical or mental conditions, consider the transformative potential of Biofeedback Therapy.
To schedule an appointment for Biofeedback Therapy in Malta, Saratoga Springs, Delmar or Queensbury NY, please call (518) 289-5242.
References:
Frank D, Khorshid L, Kiffer J, et al. Biofeedback in medicine: who, when, why and how? Ment Health Fam Med. 2010 Jun; 7(2): 85-91.
Hite M, Curran T. Biofeedback for pelvic floor disorders. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2021; 34(1): 56-61.
