Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Essential Facts On Biofeedback Therapy Santa Fe Patients Should Know

By Angela Briggs


Feedback is a very important biological adaptation to virtually every living organism. It is the means by which responses to changes in the internal and external environments can be mounted. This happens through what are known as feedback loops. Biofeedback as a treatment option works in more or less the same way. If they plan on having biofeedback therapy Santa Fe need to understand it fully so as to weigh the advantages and the disadvantages.

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.

Signals that are usually undetectable under normal circumstances are detected and amplified. They are then converted into either audio or visual output for the patient to respond. There is direct proportionality between the level of signal produces and the initial stimulus produced by the physiological process. The signal is higher when the patient is distressed and lower when they are more relaxed.

Applications of biofeedback as a treatment option have continued to grow tremendously over the years. Perhaps the commonest use for the treatment is in reduction of anxiety states that occur in a number of conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and social phobias. The aim of the practitioner is to help the patient to achieve relaxation.

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.

To be successful, this treatment requires that patients participate actively in the maintenance of their wellbeing. They need to constantly examine their lives and make it their duty to identify any forms of behavior that may cause their distress. They need to acknowledge that they have the ability to alleviate the symptoms through their efforts. Commitment to the therapy is also very important.

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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