Useful Details On Biofeedback Therapy

By Enid Hinton


Biofeedback is the technique used for learning to control the functions of the body like the heart rate. With the technique, one is connected to electrical sensors which help them to receive information about the body. This is why it is known as biofeedback therapy. It assists the person to focus on making body changes such as relaxation of certain muscles. Essentially, it gives the individual the power to use their thoughts to control the body, usually to help with physical performance or a health condition.

Some of the physical conditions that are managed by this technique are asthma, constipation, chronic pain and anxiety. It is preferred for a number of reasons. For once, it is a non-invasive procedure. Invasive procedures are rarely preferred by most patients. It also reduces and eliminates the need to use medications and thus may be a good alternative for people who may not tolerate medications. Further, it is an option when medicines have failed to work well.

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.

The potential therapist should be asked certain questions before considering their services. It needs to be confirmed that they are licensed and registered. If they are not licensed, they should be working under supervision from health care professionals that are licensed. Their training and experience should also be an important consideration. It is at this time that the number of required sessions will need to be discussed. Having the practitioner give a list of references will be important.

During the treatment session, electrical sensors get attached to various body parts. These sensors will monitor physiological state of the body. For instance, there will be monitoring of brain waves, muscle tension and skin temperature. There is feedback of the information through such cues as beeping sound. The feedback teaches the person to change physiological body reaction.

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.

Typical sessions last for 30 to 60 minutes. The number and length of sessions are dependent on the condition of the individual and how fast they learn to control the physical responses. One may need 10 or 50 sessions, making it costly. It is never covered by insurance.

There are various types of biofeedback. They include temperature, heart rate variability and galvanic skin response training. Whereas most devices used were previously found only in clinics and medical centers, they are currently are being marketed for home use.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment