Healthytalk8 Biofeedback therapy for stress is an effective way, which also help with anxiety, depression, and other health conditions.
It is a technique that used sensors, computers, and other instruments to monitor brain waves and give feedback to individuals.
Where given feedback is work as a report of an individual, where learn person how to control their stress, heart rate, etc.
On other hand, stress is a normal response to demands and challenges in life, which also helps us to push over the limit and get things done.
Long-term stress, not managing on time, and an unhealthy lifestyle is the most common reason for chronic stress.
For a certain period of the time stress is normal, but when stress becomes chronic stress it can cause several health issues.
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What Is Biofeedback?
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Biofeedback therapy is a technique that aids people learn to control physiological processes, such as blood pressure, brain activity, etc.
Since more than 50 years ago, biofeedback has been used in physical therapy to treat neuromuscular disorders (2)
Biofeedback is divided into 2 categories, biomechanical and neurofeedback.
In biomechanical body activity and movement are measured through computers, sensors, and video motion sensors (3)
Neurofeedback focuses on brain activity, here sensors are also used on the scalp to measure brain waves and provide vital information.
It is used to treat several conditions, like stress, anxiety, and tension, where learn people how to control their physiological processes by relaxing muscles and slowing heart rate.
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How Does It Work?
In this, sticky sensors are placed on the patient’s body to monitor its physiological processes, such as heart rate, brain waves, muscles, etc.
These sensors are connected to a computer or a feedback device, which then gives vital information about a person’s health through graphs and visuals.
Then the person uses their report and learns how to control their physiological processes, the therapist will help in this, with other relaxation methods.
It is most commonly used for patients with motor dysfunction and is also used to manage symptoms of chronic illness.
How Does Biofeedback Work In Reducing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression?
As we know that after the report, the therapist will also help the person to learn how to control their mind, through relaxation techniques.
Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation yoga, meditation, guided imagery, music therapy, hydrotherapy, etc.
These releasing techniques are one of the best ways to calm down stress, workplace tension, anxiety, depression, and other mental issues.
A study among nursing students in Thailand found biofeedback therapy to be effective in reducing anxiety and managing stress.
One study utilized electromyographic feedback training with nursing students in Ireland to help reduce anxiety (4).
The report helps to find what exact cause of being in stress by identifying a person’s emotions and thoughts.
The research on nursing students for a 5-week reveals that cognitive modification with biofeedback therapy for self-relaxation was helpful in reducing anxiety.
Biofeedback therapy for stress is considered, especially for athletes, due to its processors like teaching, learning, and control.
Several studies found that it has been helpful in reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and other health issues symptoms.
Uses of Biofeedback Therapy
There are several other uses of this therapy which is used to treat a variety of conditions including:
Chronic pain – This technique is also used to teach people to control or suppress their pain through relaxation techniques.
Help in Autism – Studies found that it can help the person with ASD through more attention, social communication, and overall behave better.
Relief from headaches – stress is the most common reason for headaches however this therapy can relieve headaches through learning or controlling muscle tension and blood circulation.
Help in constipation – A study listed that biofeedback therapy help in constipation, even in both normal and slow transit.
However, other studies reveal that it can only help with normal transit constipation, not help with slow transit constipation.
Pelvic Floor – Through biofeedback report, the therapist will guide them on how to contract and relax their pelvic floor and do continue it to see positive effects.
Other uses of biofeedback therapy
- help in hypertension
- improve sleep
- help in controlling brain activity which helps in parkinson’s disease, ADHD, and multiple sclerosis.
- chronic fatigue
- use in to control heart rate (4)
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- breathing pattern
- motion sickness
- help people to strengthen their pelvic floor which helps in urinary incontinence
- epilepsy
- Raynaud phenomenon (a condition where blood flow to the finger is decreased)
Where Did You Find It?
Biofeedback has been used by researchers and studied by scientists and doctors to bring well-being.
However, there is less evidence or not too many studies found, and maximum research is still needed (6)
In today’s times, it is mostly used in clinics, and hospitals, as well as there are several apps available to experience feedback.
Point that it should be done with safety guidance and a licensed proven therapist.
If you have any health issues or are under any medication, then first consult your doctor to prevent further risk.
What Do We Expect During Biofeedback Therapy Session?
Biofeedback is a quite safe and well-tolerated process with minimal complications.
During the session, you will feel quite relaxed, when the therapist will first asks your medical history, therapy aim, and more questions.
The therapist will place sensors throughout your body, or for specific areas to target specific illnesses.
Then, the monitor will start, where real-time information is collected on a specific device or computer, where it comes in the graph, visual display form.
After the result come, the therapist will teach you techniques whether it is relaxation, or exercise, to control brain activity, and physiological processes.
The session time may depend on the price, your goal, conditions, and experience of the therapist, generally, the session lasts for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Then it depends on you to continue the practice and do it repeat after repeat to cure your illness or relief from stress.
Concentration and self-discipline are very important to reach your goal, over time this will bring many more opportunities.
Down Line
Biofeedback is the cable for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms, as proven by several studies.
For a certain time stress is common, but if it stays long, or does not manage on time, then may rise several health complications.
It is quite safe, here some sensors will be attached to your body to collect data, then some device analysis it, and will make a real-time report.
Stress and anxiety affect everyone, whether it is young, old, rich or poor, gender, or cultural background.
