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The term "Biofeedback" is used to identify a unique therapeutic process of training clients in physical and mental self-regulation for purposes of health and improved functioning. The most common applications include the treatment of conditions such as migraines, headaches, temperomandibular disorders, asthma, hypertension, anxiety, neuromuscular disorders, gastrointestinal and pelvic floor disorders, to name just a few. It is also used for diagnostic profiling, scanning, pain management and general monitoring of physiological functioning. Within the biofeedback domain is the special field of "Neurofeedback" with its clinical applications of Electroencephalographic (EEG) Biofeedback. These applications include the treatment of epilepsy, anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, chemical dependency, ADD/ADHD, learning disabilities, post traumatic stress disorders, and many other applications including the recent focus on performance enhancement. Biofeedback therapy utilises highly sensitive, safe electronic devices that monitor and amplify physiological signals from the body and convert the raw physiological data, usually via computer instruments, into information that is meaningful and useful for both the practitioner and the client. To illustrate, electromyography (EMG) measures the electrical activity of the muscles and is useful for muscle tension feedback and neuromuscular rehabilitation; electrodermal response (EDR) measures skin conductivity from fingers and palms and is highly sensitive to emotional changes and thus very useful in desensitisation and relaxation training; thermal feedback monitors temperature changes and photoplethysmograph sensors monitor heart rate, blood flow and blood volume pulse changes and are highly sensitive to vasoconstriction associated with stress and vasodilation with relaxation. Blood flow feedback is useful in the treatment of migraines, essential hypertension and other vascular related complications. Respiration monitors assist in breath retraining in asthma and stress related reactions. In the field of EEG Biofeedback, surface sensors placed on the scalp monitor brainwave activity and can be used for diagnostic profiling and the many neurotherapy applications as mentioned earlier. Back to Top of FAQ What are the Advantages of Biofeedback Therapy? The list of benefits associated with biofeedback therapy is extensive. Biofeedback therapies are nonpharmacologic treatments, free of the side effects associated with drug therapies. Biofeedback can help avoid unnecessary surgery as well as provide essential information supporting surgical intervention. Biofeedback information actively engages the patient in developing self regulation skills and techniques which are central to symptom control and the successful outcome of therapy. Biofeedback can be used successfully with children and adults. It utilises advanced scientific instruments but does not require of the therapist advanced training in computing and the high technology sciences. Finally all biofeedback practitioners will readily admit that biofeedback enhances therapeutic outcomes improves the quality of clinical services and increases client satisfaction. All biofeedback practitioners acknowledge that they could not envisage their practices without the use of biofeedback therapy and technology. Back to Top of Biofeedback FAQ's Training is provided by highly qualified, experienced and internationally renowned specialists in the field of biofeedback. Each instructor has an outstanding record of research and clinical experience. The training programs are designed to provide a balance between the theoretical basis and clinical applications of biofeedback. Back to Top of Biofeedback FAQ's The Professional Biofeedback Training Program is designed to benefit the clinical interests and professional needs of Psychologists, Physicians, Dentists, Physiotherapists, Nurses, Occupational Therapists, Chiropractors, Sports Physiologists, Speech Pathologists, Social Workers and other allied health professionals. Back to Top of Biofeedback FAQ's What are the latest trends in Biofeedback Technology? Training sessions feature the latest in biofeedback technology and offer an extensive collection of resource materials. Complete technical support is available and equipment training is incorporated within the curriculum of each course. Special technical support is also available to trainees through equipment suppliers. Trainees who may wish to purchase and incorporate biofeedback equipment into their practices will receive the necessary technical support. At the conclusion of each training program participants receive a certificate of completion as evidence of training and a letter documenting the number of hours spent in training for use towards their continuing education credits. Back to Top of Biofeedback FAQ's What Practitioners say about Biofeedback Therapy..." ...powerful changes in awareness and control take place when an
individual is given immediate feedback information about his or
her physiology. "Biofeedback offers to health care much of what the stethoscope
could, an opportunity to monitor important physiological functioning
directly. In the future, patients will routinely learn self-regulation
via biofeedback, and psychologists will assess the physiology of
emotions and symptoms and disorders with biofeedback equipment as
routinely as physicians assess heart and pulmonary functioning with
a stethoscope." "By dramatically revealing the extent of self-regulation possible
with suitable training techniques, biofeedback showed physicians,
rehabilitation therapists, behavioural scientists, and clinical
psychologists that they all had responsibilities in the same health
camp." * US National Psychologist Back to Top of Biofeedback FAQ's |
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