What is biofeedback?
Self-regulatory technique, which uses electrical sensors with auditory and visual cues so patients can become more aware and learn to voluntarily control body processes and physiology. The purpose is to improve mental, physical, and emotional health, and performance.
How does it work?
Sensors will be placed on the patient’s skin to measure heart rate, skin conductance (arousal), body temperature, breathing rate, and muscle activity. This information will help the patient identify the involuntary and unconscious responses to stress.
The information from the sensors will be displayed using a computer program from Thought Technology©. The computer graphics and prompts, along with guidance from a PT will help you master control over the physiological processes by helping you to pace your breathing, decrease muscle tension, decrease heart rate and increase skin temperature.
At Dynamic Sports PT we have developed an 8 session protocol that includes progressive muscle relaxation, paced breathing using biofeedback, along with postural and aerobic exercise. Each session will be supervised by a licensed physical therapist trained in biofeedback. After each session, patients will be given home exercises to complement the program. At the end of eight sessions the goal is for individuals to be independent in performing progressive muscle relaxation, paced breathing, postural and aerobic exercise on their own.
What conditions can Biofeedback help?
Research has supported biofeedback for treating headaches/migraines, arthritis, constipation, chronic pelvic pain, chronic pain, incontinence, temporomandibular disorder (TMJ)
