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Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a safe, effective, holistic approach to treating multiple chronic conditions in adults and children. This therapy promotes relaxation and mindfulness, which can help you gain control of your body's responses to stress and anxiety. As a result, you will be able to better manage the symptoms related to your condition and experience a better quality of life.

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a treatment technique in which sensors are used to measure key body functions, such as skin temperature, muscle activity, breathing and heart rate. This method of therapy allows you to receive information (feedback) about your body in order to learn voluntary control of these functions. Over time, biofeedback training can teach self-regulation skills that help balance the sympathetic (fight-flight) nervous system and the parasympathetic (rest-restore) nervous system to improve awareness of and control over your body on your own, without the use of biofeedback tools.

Types of Biofeedback

Your Noran Clinic Provider will determine if biofeedback would be a beneficial addition to your treatment plan. While the below biofeedback techniques are available, the appropriate method for you will be determined at your initial appointment.

  • Electromyography (EMG) biofeedback: measures muscle tension as it changes over time
  • Thermal or temperature biofeedback: measures body temperature changes over time
  • Galvanic skin response training: measures the amount of sweat on your body over time
  • Heart rate variability biofeedback: measures your heart rate as it changes over time
  • Respiration biofeedback: measures breathing rate and depth over time

Who performs Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is performed by Noran Clinic certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants who have received specialized training through the STENS Biofeedback Training Center. Using a team approach, your biofeedback provider will work directly with your neurologist to design a personalized biofeedback plan that meets your needs.

How does Biofeedback work?

Once you have developed better awareness of your body's involuntary responses to your condition, the biofeedback provider will teach you how to manage those responses. Biofeedback techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and mindfulness meditation may be used to calm the body and activate the relaxation response to improve your health and well being. When the techniques are mastered they can be applied as needed in everyday life.

How is Biofeedback used?

Biofeedback may be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for many disorders including, but not limited to:

  • Chronic Pain
  • Stress/Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Headaches/Migraines

What to Expect

An individualized program is designed for every patient but generally includes weekly appointments for about six weeks, and then may include a few monthly follow up appointments. Biofeedback sessions last between 40-60 minutes. Daily home practice is an essential part of the program and directly related to the amount of benefit experienced from biofeedback.

 

Biofeedback is currently offered at the Minneapolis Noran Clinic location.