Biofeedback is a therapeutic technique that aims to help you better respond to stress by developing control over certain involuntary body functions and movements.
Biofeedback is built on the concept of “mind over matter.”
With certain techniques — like controlled breathing and muscle control — you may be able to influence involuntary body processes like your heart rate and blood pressure to promote a
Although some research supports the use of biofeedback, more research is needed to understand its benefits and limitations in more detail. Of the research that does exist, the results are mixed.
Keep reading to learn more about the types and potential uses of biofeedback, as well as how it works.
There are two types of biofeedback: physiological and biomechanical. Biofeedback approaches use several measurement tools to assess how your body responds to stress and other sensory activity.
Physiologic feedback
Physiological biofeedback measures the rate and ways in which your muscles contract and relax over time, as well as the nerve cells that control your muscles.
Two of the most common measurement methods are electromyography and electrocardiograms. These may examine heart rate, respiratory rate, and electric signals in your body to help evaluate muscle tension as it changes over time.
A healthcare professional
Similarly, it could help you develop techniques to manage physiological changes and, consequently, relieve stress.
Other physiological measurement tools that are sometimes used include:
- electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain wave activity
- heart rate variability (HRV) to measure your pulse and heart rate
- thermal biofeedback to measure body temperature changes
- galvanic skin response (GSR) training to measure the amount of sweat on your body
Biomechanical feedback
Biomechanical biofeedback uses various tools to help measure key body movements and spatial awareness.
These tools include a combination of motion sensors attached to your body and imaging tests that provide visual, auditory, and motion information — “biofeedback” — about your body.
For instance, it could help you and a healthcare professional better understand how your body is moving. This information could then be used to design a physical therapy program with specific techniques to improve your movement.
Biofeedback is most commonly used to help relieve stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques.
Biofeedback may sometimes be used as part of a treatment plan to help treat numerous physical and mental health issues, including:
Different types of biofeedback may also be used for certain conditions.
Physiologic feedback may be used for anxiety or high blood pressure. Biomechanical feedback may be used to help with musculoskeletal disorders.
However, the research on the effectiveness of biofeedback for treating health conditions is mixed.
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It’s best to work with a healthcare professional who can help you develop the best treatment plan for your needs.
Biofeedback therapy may be a months-long process that requires active participation. The more you’re willing to engage in the therapy, the better your results may be.
It’s important to check your biofeedback therapist’s credentials before starting therapy. You may want to ask about their training and whether they accept health insurance.
If you have health insurance, be sure to check with your insurance provider beforehand, since they don’t all cover biofeedback.
State laws regulating biofeedback practitioners may also vary, so consider checking your own state’s regulations before visiting a therapist.
A healthcare professional may attach several electrical sensors to your body, which are connected to a monitor. The types of sensors and measurement tools used may depend on the type of biofeedback.
The measurement tools or sensors will then assess one or more physiological signs of stress, such as heart rate, muscle tension, or body temperature. These measurements provide feedback to the monitor about how your body responds to different stimuli.
For instance, a temperature regulation monitor
Based on this information, a biofeedback therapist will teach you techniques to help control your bodily response.
The techniques may vary depending on the underlying condition you’re receiving biofeedback treatment for. Breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and mental exercises may help lower blood pressure and anxiety, while pelvic floor exercises may help to regain bladder control.
You will then perform these new techniques with the same measurement tools or sensors attached to you. This will assess the results of these techniques and exercises on the monitor to encourage more positive reactions and relaxation.
Biofeedback techniques are
A typical biofeedback session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. The number of sessions needed to treat an issue will vary depending on a number of factors, including how quickly you gain control over your physical responses.
Some commercial biofeedback devices are also available for home use. Some have handheld monitors, and others connect to your computer. However, you should be careful of scams.
Speak with a healthcare professional before purchasing one of these devices. Not all manufacturers are reputable.
Biofeedback is generally safe.
According to
Biofeedback is a noninvasive therapy technique that aims to help you change certain health factors by learning to be mindful of how your body responds to stressors and other stimuli.
A healthcare professional can help determine whether biofeedback is right for you, based on your health condition. They could also help decide the best biofeedback type for you, such as physiological or biomechanical feedback.
The success of biofeedback therapy will depend on your participation during sessions and how often you implement the techniques used in your daily life.
