Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a type of mind-body technique you use to control some of your body's functions, such as your heart rate, breathing patterns and muscle responses. During biofeedback, you're connected to electrical pads that help you get information about your body. You may not realize it, but when you have pain or are under stress, your body changes. Your heart rate may increase, you may breathe faster, and your muscles tighten. Biofeedback helps you make slight changes in your body, such as relaxing muscles, to help relieve pain or reduce tension. You may be able to decrease your heart rate and breathing, which can make you feel better. Biofeedback can give you the skills to practice new ways to control your body. This can improve a health problem or help make daily activities easier.

Biofeedback, sometimes called biofeedback training, helps many physical and mental health problems, including: Nervousness or stress. Asthma. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Side effects from drugs to treat cancer. Long-lasting pain. Constipation. Loss of bowel control, also known as fecal incontinence. Fibromyalgia. Headache. High blood pressure. Irritable bowel syndrome. Raynaud's disease. Ringing in the ears, also called tinnitus. Stroke. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Urinary incontinence and trouble passing urine. Depression. Biofeedback appeals to people for a variety of reasons: There's no surgery involved. It might lower or end the need for medicines. It might make medicines work better. It might help when medicines can't be used, such as in pregnancy. It helps people feel more in control of their health.

Biofeedback is generally safe, but it might not be right for everyone. Biofeedback machines might not work on people with some medical problems, such as heartbeat issues or some skin diseases. Be sure to talk with your health care provider first.

It's not hard to start biofeedback. To find a person who teaches biofeedback, ask your health care provider to recommend someone who has experience treating your problem. Many biofeedback experts are licensed in another area of health care, such as psychology, nursing or physical therapy. State laws regulating biofeedback teaching vary. Some biofeedback experts choose to become certified to show their extra training and experience in the practice. Before starting treatment, consider asking the biofeedback expert a few questions, such as: Are you licensed, certified or registered? What is your training and experience? Do you have experience teaching biofeedback for my problem? How many biofeedback treatments do you think I'll need? What's the cost and is it covered by my health insurance? Can you give me a list of references?