Pediatric Biofeedback

What is biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a treatment that allows you to gain information about your body’s functioning so that you can learn to change what your body is doing.

The most common targets of biofeedback include:

· Respiration (breathing)

· Heart rate

· Muscle tension

· Temperature

Biofeedback brings you immediate information about how your body is functioning, like stepping on a scale or taking your temperature. You can use this information to gain some control over your body.

How does biofeedback work?

A biofeedback sensor is used to examine physiological processes like breathing, heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature. No needles are involved and no discomfort is experienced. These sensors convert your body’s information into a sound and/or an image on the computer that allows you to see how your body is working. You can then learn to control how your body works, which in turn may help you to better control the symptoms that you are experiencing.

Who can benefit from Biofeedback?

Children and Adolescents with:

· Anxiety

· Headaches

· Chronic pain

· Gastrointestinal conditions such as Functional Abdominal Pain and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Depending on the symptoms, biofeedback is usually most helpful when combined with other treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).