Biofeedback is a method from the field of behavioral therapy. It is a relaxation procedure in which the body’s own parameters (see procedure below) are made visible and thus a voluntary change of these very parameters is to be carried out with the aim of relaxation. The influencing of the parameters takes place after a learning process in the sense of operant conditioning (learning by “trial and error” or positive or negative reinforcement when a criterion is reached).
As a result, the procedure leads to better self-control of the disease by the patient.
Biofeedback therapy is a component of multimodal pain therapy. The procedure is used especially in the treatment of the two primary headache types “migraine” and “tension-type headache“. For other indications, see below:
Indications (areas of application)
- ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
- Anxiety/panic attacks
- Apoplexy (stroke)
- Bronchial asthma
- Cephalgia (headache)
- Migraine
- Tension-type headache (tension headache).
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CMS; Chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS).
- Chronic muscle tension such as bruxism (teeth grinding).
- Chronic back pain
- Epilepsy
- Fibromyalgia (fibromyalgia syndrome) – syndrome that can lead to chronic pain (at least 3 months) in multiple areas of the body
- Urinary and fecal incontinence – inability to hold urine or stool.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Insomnia (sleep disorders)
- Constipation (constipation)
- Prostatodynia – prostate symptoms without signs of prostatitis.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Stuttering
- Stress
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
The procedure
The user is enabled by this method to influence seemingly uninfluenceable processes in the body.
The body’s own parameters that can be influenced include:
- Breathing – breathing rate and depth of breathing.
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Brain waves
- Body temperature
- Muscle activity (tension/relaxation)
These parameters are measured via sensors with computer technology and displayed either via acoustic or but also optical signals. These devices are partly portable, so that the affected person can use them at home and when traveling.
Biofeedback therapy is a scientifically proven procedure that can be used as an adjunctive therapy for many different diseases.
Possible complications
- Biofeedback methods have no side effects.
Further notes