Biofeedback is a technique that is used to learn how to better control physiological functions of the body. A device of some kind is used to monitor your body’s response and give you feedback about what your body is doing. This information then gives the individual a better idea of what they need to do in order to increase, decrease, or maintain that physiological state. For example, when you are wearing a heartrate monitor, this is a form of biofeedback! If your heartrate is high you may participate in some diaphragmatic breathing in order to try to bring that heartrate lower. Biofeedback can be as simple as this or more complex, such as monitoring brain waves.
Biofeedback is a very useful technique that can help individuals with chronic pain have more control over their pain, decrease their pain, and improve daily functioning. There are various types of biofeedback:
- EEG Biofeedback is when sensors are placed on the scalp in order to monitor brain waves
- Respiratory Biofeedback is when bands are placed around the abdomen and chest to monitor breathing patterns and respiration rate
- Heartrate Biofeedback is when a finger or earlobe sensor is used to detect blood volume changes, or a sensor is placed on the chest or wrist to measure heartrate and variations in heartrate
- EMG Biofeedback measures muscle contractions by placing sensors over skeletal muscles with an electromyograph in order to monitor electrical activity that causes muscle contractions
- EDG Biofeedback measures sweat gland activity. This involves attaching an EDG sensor around the fingers, wrist or palm in order to measure the activity of sweat glands and the amount of perspiration on the skin which can alert you to anxiety
- Temperature Biofeedback is when a sensor is attached to the fingers or toes in order to measure blood flow to the skin. Temperature often decreases when under stress and a low temperature is indicative of restricted blood vessels (tensing of the muscles). Relaxation techniques are implemented in order to increase blood flow, decrease tension and induce a relaxed state.
At Kelsey Ruffing Counseling, Kelsey works with clients utilizing temperature biofeedback. A small sensor is taped to the finger and a baseline temperature is recorded. A series of relaxation and imagery techniques are utilized together in order to activate an increase in temperature, indicating a more relaxed and healthy state. This is very important for individuals who experience chronic pain and can be very helpful for individuals who also have a diagnosis of Raynaud’s Disease.
Biofeedback is an incredibly useful tool, yet it is seemingly not utilized enough by clinicians. It is shown that increased stress (physical and mental) contracts muscle fibers and this leads to restriction of blood vessels. The restriction of blood vessels decreases the flow of blood to the peripheral areas of the body, such as the hands and feet. This is evident just by looking at the skin and seeing that it is a lighter color or even blue-ish compared to more central parts of the body. The hands and feet will also feel colder to the touch. Anxiety states and the activation of the fight or flight reactions cause your blood to pool in the center of your body in order to “protect” the organs. When individuals are chronically anxious, they can develop symptoms consistent with Raynaud’s Disease. Temperature Biofeedback is a great, non-invasive way to learn to control the body’s response and increase a more relaxed state.
Biofeedback can be used for a variety of different heath issues:
Anxiety or stress
Asthma
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Chemotherapy side effects
Chronic pain
Constipation
Fecal incontinence
Fibromyalgia
Headache/Migraine
High blood pressure
Irritable bowel syndrome
Raynaud's disease
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Stroke
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Urinary incontinence
Resources for this article:
What is biofeedback therapy and who can benefit?
Biofeedback- Institute for Chronic Pain
Efficacy of Biofeedback in Chronic back Pain: a Meta-Analysis