Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback is the process of making patients aware of automated bodily functions in order to promote self-control of these functions. Biofeedback can be a cognitive practice that does not require the use of assistive devices or an interactive treatment that uses wearable devices or computers to provide feedback of the body’s various functions.

As the patient becomes more aware of certain bodily functions, he or she can generate more cognitive efforts toward increasing control of the functions that may be creating pain, discomfort, or other medical conditions/impairments. In this way, patients can limit the significance of certain impairments or eliminate conditions entirely.

At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have the knowledgeable staff and equipment to guide patients through a series of effective and life-altering biofeedback sessions. If you have not experienced the desired results from traditional treatment methods, consider the unique wellness approach of biofeedback to either augment or replace your wellness program.

The Biofeedback Process
The biofeedback process will vary based on the approach being taken. If a meditative approach is desired, there may not be a need for computerized devices to monitor the body. A patient can use a self-practice to become more in-tune with their body to slow down breathing and heart rate and reduce stress. A therapist may also guide a meditation session.

For a more active, scientific approach to biofeedback therapy, doctors attach sensors to the patient’s body to measure, amplify, and relay physiological responses within the patient’s body. This creates a visual or more complete idea of a patient’s internal health. Using this feedback, patients can begin to cognitively manipulate their physiological responses to certain stimuli. This sets in motion the ability to truly control, limit, or reverse conditions with continued care/effort.

Conditions Treated With Biofeedback
Biofeedback has been clinically tested to be effective in treating a number of conditions. From cognitive-behavioral conditions to pain, an increased awareness, understanding, and control of your body overall or particular body functions can limit the impact of acute or chronic conditions. Due to its necessary involvement of patient participation and the fact that many conditions will affect patients differently, the results of biofeedback will vary from patient to patient and from condition to condition. Conditions that may be improved through biofeedback include:

Anxiety – efficacious
Arthritis – probably efficacious
Asthma – possibly efficacious
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – efficacious
Autism – possibly efficacious
Bell’s palsy – possibly efficacious
Cerebral palsy – possibly efficacious
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – possibly efficacious
Chronic pain – efficacious
Coronary artery disease – possibly efficacious
Cystic fibrosis – possibly efficacious
Depression – possibly efficacious
Diabetes mellitus – probably efficacious
Epilepsy – efficacious
Erectile dysfunction – possibly efficacious
Fecal disorders/constipation – efficacious
Chronic fatigue – possibly efficacious
Hand dystonia – possibly efficacious
Headaches – efficacious
Hypertension – efficacious
Insomnia – probably efficacious
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – possibly efficacious
Motion sickness – efficacious
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – possibly efficacious
Raynaud’s disease – efficacious
Repetitive strain injury – possibly efficacious
Respiratory failure – possibly efficacious
Stroke – possibly efficacious
Substance abuse – probably efficacious
Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) – efficacious
Tinnitus – possibly efficacious
Traumatic brain injury ( TBI ) – probably efficacious
Urinary incontinence in females – efficacious and specific
Urinary incontinence in males – probably efficacious
Vulvar vestibulitis – probably efficacious
Biofeedback is a proven yet still promising treatment method for numerous conditions. The more research that is conducted, the more understanding doctors will have on how to maximize the results and applications of biofeedback.

Schedule your consultation today to discuss what biofeedback can do to improve your overall health and well-being by calling Advantage Healthcare Systems at (866) 586-1755.