Biofeedback Therapy: What It Is, How It Works & Where to Find It

What Is Biofeedback Therapy?

One definition of biofeedback therapy is that it’s a tool that helps you become more aware of how your physiological functions operate and, when necessary, enables you to control them. It is an effective way to manage stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and many other conditions.

Your body has automatic functions. When changes occur, it is usually because something has happened to elicit a change in proper functioning. For example, you encounter a stressor, and your heart rate increases. Biofeedback therapy helps you monitor physiological functions, such as:

Hydration
Heart rate
Perspiration
Metabolism
Physical and psychological stress
Muscle stimulation
Cognitive feedback
Sleep
Concussion

Biofeedback can be conducted using various tools. Some are wearable, and others are non-wearable devices, including the following:

Smartwatches
Smart patches
Smart sleeves
Spectroscopy
Mobile applications
Electrodes
Headphones
Sensor clips
Smart clothing
Shoe insoles

Technology is advancing rapidly, and there will be many more devices and tools to monitor health and offer biofeedback in the future. Working with your doctor or therapist to find the best tool for your needs is imperative.

Understanding Neurofeedback Therapy

While biofeedback targets various body parts, neurofeedback is a specialized form that targets brain activity only. It measures brain waves and sends you a signal so you can control brain functions.

Neurofeedback therapy is non-invasive and can be negative or positive. This means you can train your brain to reduce unfavorable functions and increase positive functions.

During therapy, when specific brain waves occur, you are presented with visual, tactile, or auditory feedback. Electrodes are placed on the scalp in the areas of the brain where you wish to receive feedback. Each part of the brain is responsible for different functions. You receive real-time feedback regarding how that area operates.

Multiple types of neurofeedback work for the different brain regions. Common disorders that benefit from neurofeedback include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, and anxiety.

ADHD

During neurofeedback therapy, areas of the brain to target include the sensorimotor cortex and cingulate gyrus. These areas assist with attention, calmness, cooperation, motivation, and morals.

The tools used to measure feedback include:

Frequency neurofeedback
Slow cortical potential neurofeedback (SCP-NF)
Low-energy neurofeedback systems (LENS)

Neurofeedback therapy focuses on low and high frequencies, or theta and beta. For ADHD, the goal is to decrease theta frequencies and increase beta. This will produce a reduction in hyperactivity and an increase in focus and attention.

PTSD

The brain regions associated with PTSD include the frontal, temporal, and sensorimotor lobes. These assist with memory, calmness, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and worry. The types of neurofeedback tools to use for PTSD include:

Frequency neurofeedback
Low-energy neurofeedback systems (LENS)
Low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORE-TA)

Neurofeedback therapy can reduce intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation. It can also improve sleep, concentration, and focus.

Insomnia

The brain stem, hypothalamus, and basal forebrain in the sensorimotor and central regions are responsible for sleep-related functions. They are crucial for the circadian rhythm and wake-sleep cycles.

Neurofeedback therapies to improve functioning in these areas may include:

Electroencephalographic (EEG) brain mapping
Sensorimotor rhythm (SMR)
Low-energy neurofeedback systems (LENS)
Live Z-score neurofeedback

These techniques reduce beta frequencies to promote deep relaxation and sleep. When combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, neurofeedback can help you gain control over your sleep patterns.

Anxiety

Areas of the brain that influence anxiety are in the right hemisphere, including the frontal lobe and cingulate gyrus.

Types of neurofeedback treatments for anxiety include the following:

Frequency neurofeedback
Low-energy neurofeedback systems (LENS)
Electromyogram biofeedback (EMG)

The goal of neurofeedback for anxiety is to prevent the inhibition of alpha waves in the brain. This can also reduce muscle tension and allow your body to relax.

How Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Can Help You

Biofeedback and neurofeedback therapies are non-invasive and do not require drugs. They can help you with the following:

Managing chronic illness symptoms
Managing neuromuscular disorders
Providing pain relief
Reducing short-term disabilities
Enhancing self-awareness
Improving neurological disorder symptoms
Improving sleep or reducing the time it takes to fall asleep
Reducing motion sickness
Reducing digestive disorders

Bio-neurofeedback therapies are safe, do not produce side effects, and offer many physical and mental health benefits, including managing specific conditions.

Anxiety

Published in Health Psychology Research, study results of people with anxiety utilizing bio-neurofeedback therapies show a significant reduction in anxiety-related symptoms. Before treatment, 27% had mild to moderate anxiety, 16.5% had medium to severe anxiety, and 56.5% had severe anxiety.

The Brain Boy Universal Professional medical device helped participants control their symptoms at various difficulty levels. After therapy, 90% experienced mild to moderate anxiety, nearly 6% had medium severe anxiety, and 3.5% had severe anxiety.

Migraines

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, many veterans suffer from migraines and tension headaches. They found biofeedback to be an effective treatment by aiding in parasympathetic nervous system activation, decreasing tension and other migraine symptoms.

Beneficial techniques include breathing exercises, synchronizing heart rate with breaths, sweat measurement, surface electromyography, and thermal biofeedback.

Sleep Disorders

A study published in Brain Sciences revealed that electroencephalography or EEG and electromyography or EMG techniques improved insomnia in participants, as well as anxiety or depression that may contribute to insomnia.

It does so by reducing beta and theta frequencies in the brain, causing people to be less alert and sleepy.

Muscle Tension

EMG is one of the most effective methods for reducing muscle tension. It has been shown to reduce muscle tension in over 40% of participants in a study on electromyography biofeedback therapy and the masseter and temporal muscles. It also reduced cervical pain, bruxism, and muscle pain.

Hypertension

Several biofeedback therapies have been found effective in multiple studies for treating hypertension, including EMG, galvanic skin response, thermal biofeedback, auditory devices, and a heart rate device. High blood pressure is due in part to autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Biofeedback therapies help regulate it and reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.

Biofeedback and neurofeedback therapies are best when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan. People with high amounts of stress or conditions that worsen due to stress tend to benefit the most from biofeedback and neurofeedback therapy. Through simple techniques, you can learn to reduce stress-related symptoms quickly.

These studies also reveal that biofeedback therapies help you learn how to self-regulate your physical and mental functions. The benefits of long-term self-regulation are that you can reduce stress, anxiety, pain, and many other unhealthy behaviors within a few minutes.

Doing so can improve overall health, boost mood, and increase lifespan. For some, biofeedback can mean reducing the number of medications they take and eliminating the numerous side effects they produce.

What to Expect in a Biofeedback or Neurofeedback Session

A biofeedback or neurofeedback session may vary depending on the technologies and issues being addressed. However, most sessions last an hour or less and begin with talking to your therapist about the areas needing attention.

The assessment process includes a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, short-term and long-term goals, medications you take, and any questions or concerns you may have. Your therapist will explain the techniques they plan to use and explain what to expect.

Types of sensors your therapist may use will test for physiological or biomechanical data, including:

Electromyography
Accelerometers
Gyroscopes
Force plate sensors
Real-time ultrasound
Motion detectors

During therapy, your therapist will attach sensors or electrodes to parts of your body or, for neurofeedback, areas of your scalp that represent brain regions.

The data collected from the sensors is sent back in real-time through vibrations, auditory signals, or visual graphics. The data tells the therapist which techniques to implement to help you change your responses, such as:

Relaxation
Mindfulness
Meditation
Deep breathing

After each therapy session, your therapist will discuss your progress, set goals, and assign activities to help you improve your skills in between sessions.

Finding Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Therapy Near You

Searching for biofeedback therapy in your area means locating a qualified therapist or clinic. Ask friends, family members, coworkers, or acquaintances for a referral when possible. If you don’t know anyone who has received biofeedback or neurofeedback, try searching online for “biofeedback therapy near me” or “neurofeedback therapy near me.”

When choosing a therapist, make sure they have the following:

Special training in biofeedback or neurofeedback therapy
Certification in biofeedback or neurofeedback therapy
References that you can call for feedback
Positive online reviews

You may also want to ask your family doctor for a referral. Do not hesitate to ask questions like, “What is biofeedback?” or “What is neurofeedback?” You can also ask about their experience dealing with your condition. You can also search our online directory to find providers near you.

Most importantly, you want to feel comfortable with the therapist you choose. Ask for an initial consultation online or in person to see if they meet your standards.

Getting Started with Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback and neurofeedback can help you control body functions and ease physical and psychological symptoms that may hinder your overall well-being. If you are interested in learning more about it or think you may be ready to meet with a therapist, help is available.