Biofeedback Therapy
What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback is a evidenced-based practice which uses a device to help people consciously control internal processes which are typically controlled by your body automatically. Some of the processes that you can learn to better control are respiration, heart rate, alpha waves in your brain (which are related to relaxation), blood pressure, sweating, muscle tension and temperature.
In a nutshell, biofeedback is almost like eavesdropping on a conversation between your internal organs which allow you to make conscious changes that can positively affect your health. Most of us have some awareness about how our body is functioning. You know when you are hungry, too warm, or fatigued. You are aware during exercise perhaps of how hard your heart is working. You may speed up or slow down your pace depending on your heartbeat. Through the use of biofeedback equipment, you can have a window into the quieter processes that are always happening within your body, and through training, you can learn to control these processes which may lead to improvement in overall health.
In a nutshell, biofeedback is almost like eavesdropping on a conversation between your internal organs which allow you to make conscious changes that can positively affect your health. Most of us have some awareness about how our body is functioning. You know when you are hungry, too warm, or fatigued. You are aware during exercise perhaps of how hard your heart is working. You may speed up or slow down your pace depending on your heartbeat. Through the use of biofeedback equipment, you can have a window into the quieter processes that are always happening within your body, and through training, you can learn to control these processes which may lead to improvement in overall health.
What sort of issues can it help improve?
Biofeedback has been shown to aid in the following:
Anxiety and worries
Chronic pain
Tension headaches and migraine headaches
ADHD
Hypertension
Motion Sickness
Reynaud's disease
TMJ (Temporomandibular disorder)
Insomnia
Diabetes (through increasing blood flow to extremities)
Asthma
Autism
Depression
Fibromyalgia/Chronic fatigue syndrome
Post-traumatic stress disorder
While this is not a conclusive list, these are the areas which Dr. Nelson would feel comfortable treating.
Anxiety and worries
Chronic pain
Tension headaches and migraine headaches
ADHD
Hypertension
Motion Sickness
Reynaud's disease
TMJ (Temporomandibular disorder)
Insomnia
Diabetes (through increasing blood flow to extremities)
Asthma
Autism
Depression
Fibromyalgia/Chronic fatigue syndrome
Post-traumatic stress disorder
While this is not a conclusive list, these are the areas which Dr. Nelson would feel comfortable treating.
What type of equipment do your use?
Along with my computer, monitor, and sensors, I use the NeXus-4 Wireless Bluetooth Biofeedback hardware and the BioTrace software. The NeXus 4 is FDA listed within the 510 K Clinical Device C. This product can be used for physiological monitoring and research as well as clinical psychophysiology. Please note that battery-operated devices sold for home use have not been shown to be effective.
Does it hurt?
No, this is a non-invasive tool. The sensors (how we can "hear" what your body is doing) are either stuck onto your skin or attached using velcro. Removing the sensors is no more uncomfortable than removing a band aid (though in my own experience, I found it less uncomfortable than even a band aid removal!)
Is there an age limit for biofeedback?
While there is no firm limits for age, typically the youngest a client would be is 7 or 8 years old. There is no upper age limit.
How many sessions would I need?
This varies depending on both what you would like to achieve as well as your response to treatment. However, between 4-8 session is typical.
Do I need a referral from my primary care doctor?
If you are suffering from anxiety or depression than you would not need any additional referral. However, if you are suffering from any of the above stated difficulties (e.g., migraines, chronic pain, Reynaud's, etc.) than a formal diagnosis from your primary care doctor would be appropriate, and at minimum Dr. Nelson would need to have a conversation with your referring doctor prior to treatment.
What is your training?
In addition to being a licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Nelson has completed a 48 course hour certificate program approved by the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA). Dr. Nelson is currently seeking Board Certification in biofeedback. This level of certification while not necessary to perform biofeedback, is a level of certification which Dr. Nelson is eager to achieve. If you have any questions about this process, please do not hesitate to ask.
Where can I go to read more about Biofeedback?
Here are some articles on Biofeedback which may interest you:
- Biofeedback in medicine: who, when, why and how?
-Biofeedback in headache: an overview of approaches and evidence.
-Migraine headache in children.
-Effect of biofeedback and deep oscillation on Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to systemic sclerosis: results of a controlled prospective randomized clinical trial.
- Biofeedback in medicine: who, when, why and how?
-Biofeedback in headache: an overview of approaches and evidence.
-Migraine headache in children.
-Effect of biofeedback and deep oscillation on Raynaud's phenomenon secondary to systemic sclerosis: results of a controlled prospective randomized clinical trial.