30 November, 2013

Important Aspects On Biofeedback Therapy Santa Fe Residents May Need To Know

By Angela Briggs


Feedback is an important biological adaptation of living organisms. It is the mechanism by which the organisms sense and respond to changes in their internal and external environments and respond to them as is appropriate. This whole process occurs through what is known as feedback loops. Biofeedback works in very much the same way. There are a number of things on biofeedback therapy Santa Fe residents should know even as they consider this option of treatment.

The way this works is quite simple. Sub threshold signals from various physiological processes are detected and relayed to a person as an external output. The patient then learns to modify the physiological process by responding to the signal. This is what is known as conditioning. Over the last several decades, biofeedback has undergone huge improvements thanks to research activities by psychologists.

There are a number of physiological responses that can be monitored. This is achieved by using specialized instruments. Muscle tension, which is a common manifestation of apprehension, can be monitored by use of an instrument known as an electromyogram. Brain activity is determined by detecting alpha and delta waves using the encephalogram or EEG. Other biological processes that may be measured are heart rate, blood pressure and skin temperature.

The instrument helps to pick the signal from the patient and amplifies it. It is then translated into visual or audio output that can be seen or heard. The level of the output is proportional to the signal obtained from the patient. By looking or listening to the output, one can make adjustments to their body so as to gain control of their emotions, thoughts or particular physiological processes.

Over the years, the list of applications of biofeedback has continued to grow. Anxiety disorders are perhaps the commonest indication for this treatment. They include, among others, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Persons with these conditions are trained on how to relax and overcome the associated feelings of apprehension.

Some studies have shown some benefit of potential benefits when the treatment is used for treatment of some medical conditions. Asthma, especially, for episodes related to panic attacks has been reported to be fairly well responsive to the therapy. EMG studies are used to determine the degree of airway resistance in the airways and this can be reduced when the patient makes some particular adjustments. Other conditions include grandma epilepsy, hyperactivity, bruxism, hypertension, dysmenorrhea and tension headaches among others.

The therapy places a number of responsibilities on the patients as they have to participate in maintaining their well-being. By examining their daily lives, they learn to identify factors that may be contributing to their distress. It is only through their recognition of the fact they can remedy their illnesses through commitment to regular relaxation that the therapy can work. They must be ready to modify their habits and adopt good ones.

If they choose biofeedback therapy Santa Fe residents need to know that the treatment cannot be used on its own. There are many other treatments with which it can be combined to get the best response. These include treatments such as psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Proper family support should be in place as well.




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