Finding The Best Biofeedback Practitioner

By Olivia Cross


A treatment that various health care practitioners are using today consists of training patients to control their involuntary physiological responses. The biofeedback practitioner makes use of a device to monitor signals coming from different parts of the body. They act as coaches to patients using various methods such as mental and physical training so that they are eventually able to control these responses on their own.

Humans have used machines to monitor bodily functions for years. We use a thermometer to measure our temperature, a blood pressure monitor to test whether blood pressure is too high or too low and we can also test our sugar levels. With this information, we can take the necessary actions. If we have a fever, for example, we take medication and drink more fluids.

The machines used to give feedback work in the same way and the patient is also required to take action but this is action of a different kind requiring mental discipline. Sensors are connected to monitoring equipment and also placed on specific areas of the body. The location of sensors will depend on the type of problem being treated. For sleep problems, mood disorders and migraines, the sensors will be attached to the scalp. To monitor changes in blood flow which is relevant in treating conditions like migraines, anxiety and circulatory problems, they are attached to the skin to measure the amount of heat being given off.

The appropriate technique is chosen to treat a specific condition. Conditions that are most commonly treated in this way are stress and stress related problems. Migraine headaches, insomnia, anxiety and muscle pain are just some of the conditions that appear to respond to treatment. Even muscle paralysis can be helped resulting in some movement.

The premise is that once the patient is more aware of the physiological reactions in the body, they can be taught to control them. The therapist teaches the patient mental or physical exercises to help affect the function that is causing the problem. Success can actually be measured by seeing changes in the speed, intensity or volume of signals on the monitoring device.

A session lasts 30-60 minutes and some conditions require more sessions than others. Some individuals also respond more quickly than others. The ultimate goal is for the person to learn how to effectively control their physiological responses so they can do this on their own.

This treatment has become popular and some of the people offering it do not have much training or experience. Find out whether the person has any certification or is registered with a reputable organization. People are often referred for such treatment by health care organizations. If one is searching online, it is possible to check credentials and have access to client testimonials.

Can involuntary physiological reactions be controlled by using this treatment? Many patients who have experienced relief from pain, anxiety and many other conditions are convinced. In fact, success can be gauged simply by observing changes in speed, volume and intensity of signals.




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