Alt Med - Biofeedback (11 of 20)

(from PT and Alternative Medicine)

Biofeedback is included in this discussion because of its roots in ancient eastern meditative and yoga practices. Because of such, alternative medicine proponents may over-promote its value. In fact, many so-called "integrative" therapy/medicine practices include it as a staple of treatment.

Biofeedback is a treatment method that uses monitoring devices to help people consciously control physical processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, sweating, and muscle tension that are usually controlled automatically. Monitoring devices are used to provide information to amplify physical processes that are hard to detect without help. This information is then "fed back" in the form of a continuous signal (such as a tone or image readout). The person can adjust his or her thinking, emotional state, or other mental processes in order to control bodily functions by focusing on changing the signal. Biofeedback is used also in retraining muscles after injury, or in teaching other muscles to take over.

Although many studies have evaluated biofeedback, most of them suffer from inadequate design. In a detailed review of multiple controlled studies researchers concluded that biofeedback is useful for tension headaches, particularly when combined with other relaxation therapies. In another review of 94 studies, researchers concluded that biofeedback is capable of significantly reducing the frequency for both migraine and tension-type headaches, among other benefits. However, it is important to note that not all of the studies they used to arrive at this conclusion were randomized, placebo-controlled trials.

The American Pain Society had determined that biofeedback is effective, but probably no better than other less expensive and less instrument-oriented treatments such as progressive muscle relaxation training and coping skills training. It suggests it may be useful as part of an interdisciplinary pain management program.

Summary:

Biofeedback may be helpful for some medical problems if used in conjunction with scientific medical treatment.