Biofeedback therapy

What is biofeedback therapy?

Biofeedback is a mind-body technique that teaches you how to control body functions that happen without you thinking about them, such as:

• Blood pressure
• Brainwaves
• Breathing
• Heart rate
• Muscle tension
• Skin temperature
• Sweating

How does biofeedback therapy work?

Your physical therapist or occupational therapist places painless sensors called electrodes on different areas of your body. These electrodes record specific body functions and send information to a computer.

You’ll be able to see your muscle activity or other body activity on a computer monitor. It may be displayed with graphs, colors or pictures. You might also hear sounds or tones.

With this information, your therapist can teach you to be aware of these responses and guide you to make positive changes. For example, he or she may show you special breathing techniques. You’ll be able to see how your actions affect your body functions on the computer display.

Conditions we treat

You may benefit from biofeedback therapy if you have:

• Anxiety
• Asthma
• Brain injury
• Chronic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches, including migraines
• High blood pressure
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Insomnia
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Pelvic floor disorders, including incontinence
• Reynaud’s disease
• Stress-related disorder
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

Experience and expertise

Feel confident that you’re working with a provider with advanced knowledge of biofeedback therapy. Our team includes therapists certified by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). That means they’ve completed specific educational requirements and meet high ethical standards.