Biofeedback for the Whole Family
Advocare Pediatric Neurology Associates offers biofeedback for children and adults.
Biofeedback is an accepted and often effective method for developing healthier
ways to cope with stress. By learning to control the way our bodies physiologically respond to stress, we can teach ourselves to relax, relieve
pain, reduce anxiety, and control certain medical problems.
Biofeedback may be recommended as a treatment for common conditions such as migraine and tension headaches, anxiety, pain, TMJ, and bladder control problems. With practice, even children as young as age four can learn to use biofeedback.
Why Use Biofeedback?
Stressful or worrisome situations can trigger immediate physiological responses, from racing hearts and rapid breathing to tensed muscles and intense sweating. Over time, our bodies adapt to increasing levels of tension and physiological activity and become less effective at relaxing between periods of stress. When we lose our ability to deeply relax, chronic stress causes wear and tear on our bodies and can contribute to headaches, digestive problems, muscle pain, and high blood pressure.
Biofeedback uses electronic instruments to monitor the body's physiological activities and habit patterns, and "feeds back" data about skin temperature, breathing, heart rate, and blood flow through visual images on a computer screen. In a biofeedback session, a patient sits in a comfortable chair at a computer monitor while a clinician places several small sensors over the fingertips, muscles, and chest. Through verbal instructions, breathing and relaxation techniques, and changing images of graphs, kaleidoscopes, floating balloons, feathers, water, and others pictures, the patient learns to breathe slowly and deeply, clear the mind, warm the hands, think positively, and relax. Over time, patients learn to understand and control the mind-body connection that is depicted through the images, and to move into deeper levels of calm and relaxation.
Biofeedback control generally improves with practice. Patients are typically advised to attend one biofeedback session per week for six to twelve weeks, and to practice breathing, meditation, and relaxation skills for a few minutes each day. Patients who practice frequently notice that they are better able to relax within just a few minutes.
Practicing biofeedback regularly can reduce or prevent headaches, anxiety, or muscle tension. With a doctor's guidance, some patients who practice biofeedback effectively are able to lower or eliminate certain medications.
To schedule a biofeedback appointment, call Advocare Pediatric Neurology Associates:
(973) 993–8777