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BIOFEEDBACK FACTFILE

 

Biofeedback is based on the concept that thoughts and emotions effect physical reactions within our body. It is predominantly a technique which trains people to associate specific thoughts and actions with desired physical responses.

In order to achieve this, an accurate method of measuring a physiological function is required and a variety of biofeedback tools are thus used to record the level of activity of different body systems. These devices use sounds or images to highlight the body’s level of response. This ‘fed back’ information is used to modify behavioural responses which can then have a positive affect on the functioning of the client.
 Biofeedback primarily focuses on changing habitual reactions to stress which cause symptoms of pain or disease.  Relaxation is a key factor in many cases, particularly in response to stressful situations. Feedback of physical responses such as muscular tension, skin temperature and heart rate provides information to help the client to identify their own states of relaxation.


As a result, Biofeedback ultimately encourages the client’s own responsibility for their health and the recognition that they can make positive changes to their state of health.
 Biofeedback training can be received in physical therapy clinics, medical centres and hospitals, however working with a therapist, initially, may provide the best 
long-term results.

IS BIOFEEDBACK RIGHT FOR YOU?

Biofeedback may benefit the following physical and mental conditions:

Addictions            Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder        Anxiety/Panic Attacks           Arthritis (& Rheumatoid)                    Asthma         Back Pain                Carpal Tunnel Syndrome           Cerebral Palsy           Chronic Fatigue Syndrome             Chronic Pain           Constipation        Depression    Diabetes        Digestive Disorders            Epilepsy            Fibromyalgia    Headaches/Migraines            Habitual Twitching               Hot Flashes

Hypertension Insomnia Irregular Heartbeats Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Menopausal Problems Low Self Esteem/Insecurity Migraines Motion Sickness Muscle Cramps/Stiffness Myofascial Pain Nausea/Vomiting Neck Pain Osteoporosis Postural Problems Raynaud’s Disease Stress – Emotional/Physical Stroke Teeth Grinding Urinary Problems

A typical biofeedback consultation lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. The duration and number of sessions will be determined by your condition and how quickly you learn to control your physical responses.
A Biofeedback practitioner will tape sensors to various parts of your body in order to measure heart rate, temperature, muscle tension, etc. These sensors are connected to devices which monitor subtle responses in your body and give you immediate ‘feedback’ on the bodily function you are aiming to control. Such devices include:

Skin Temperature (ST) - used to record changes in heat to your skin.
Electrical Skin Resistance (ESR) - used to measures the skin’s electrical conductivity by the amount of sweat produced under stress. 


Electromyographs (EMGs) - used to indicate muscle tension. 


Electroencephalographs (EEGs) - used to measure brain activity.
Electrocardiograph (ECG) - used to monitor your heart rate.


The practitioner will teach you relevant mental or physical exercises to help control the functions which are causing your problem. They may also help you to identify the circumstances that trigger your symptoms. You will ultimately learn to manage physical functions by associating desired responses, such as relaxation or reduced pain, with specific thoughts and actions. These thoughts and actions can then be applied without the use of a feedback machine.

Biofeedback does involve a dedication to practising biofeedback or relaxation exercises every day. People generally need 8-10 sessions with 1-3 sessions per week.

 

FINDING A QUALIFIED BIOFEEDBACK PRACTITIONER

It is wise to carry out some research and select a therapist who is either a member of, or accredited by, an association or professional body such as the NZ Charter of Health Practitioners. Biofeedback therapists are obligated to a code of ethics and procedure that determines the therapy is carried out in a suitable and safe environment.  These regulations also guarantee a specialist who has undergone certifiable training and receives professional upskilling.

The Wellness Directory provides a ready-made referral list of certified practitioners within your region.  We fully encourage you to do some independent research by checking out individual credentials, i.e. experience, training, qualifications, relevant client feedback and so forth.

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