Understanding Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback therapy encompasses techniques for controlling some mind and body functions such as breathing and heart rate. It has been shown to be safe and effective for treating many different disorders, including substance addiction. As a mind-body therapy, biofeedback can enhance both physical and mental health. Many practitioners specialize in biofeedback techniques, and it is covered by insurance in some cases. WhiteSands offers biofeedback therapy in association with drug and alcohol addiction treatment. 

At WhiteSands, we individualize therapy to make sure that each client gets the help they need to achieve their recovery goals. Many people benefit from biofeedback techniques. Although it was previously thought that certain bodily functions were involuntary, biofeedback techniques show that many functions can be controlled with biofeedback devices or machines. Our clinicians train to provide this therapy that is particularly helpful in stress reduction. Biofeedback therapy promotes clients’ well-being, benefitting their overall recovery journey.

Benefits of Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback has been studied by researchers and has been found to be safe and effective for treating many different conditions, including substance addiction, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder, stroke, Raynaud’s disease, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, and more. The benefits of biofeedback therapy include:

• Tension reduction
• Relief from muscle aches
• Pain relief
• Improvements in health issues
• Improved control of moods
• Improved management of cravings
• Improved concentration/mindfulness

Although not everyone experiences the same degree of improvement in their condition, many clients report a positive view of the therapy. Depending on your condition, you may benefit from biofeedback applications at WhiteSands. 

Biofeedback Therapy for Stress

Stress can take a toll on both mental and physical health. Stress is associated with many different health conditions, including drug and alcohol use disorders, mental health conditions like anxiety, and dual diagnosis. Stress can also be a trigger for relapse. Biofeedback therapy helps reduce stress. With less mental stress, clients may find it easier to focus on their other therapies and recovery goals. 

Stress can also impede physical health. Stress can manifest in many physical symptoms, including increased blood pressure, pain, headache, gastrointestinal problems, and more. Biofeedback applications can reduce stress and, in doing so, help reduce the physical symptoms caused by stress. When recovering from substance addictions, clients need to manage stress in order to prevent relapse. Biofeedback can help. 

Biofeedback Therapy for Pain Management

Biofeedback therapy can enhance pain management. Chronic pain is associated with various health conditions such as fibromyalgia. Many people who became addicted to prescription drugs first began to use medications in order to reduce pain. Having become addicted to pain medications, some clients at WhiteSands need to find alternative ways to manage their pain. Biofeedback therapy is one way to cope with pain. Clients addicted to pain medications like opioids need to avoid powerful yet addictive pain medications, but they also need effective pain relief. Biofeedback applications may help them cope with pain as well as their substance addiction. 

Biofeedback Techniques

There are various biofeedback techniques employed by WhiteSands clinicians. These techniques include:

• Breathing techniques (adjustments to breathing rates and patterns)
• Heart rate (measures heart rate to show reductions during relaxing activities)
• Muscle activity (uses sensors to measure and help reduce muscle tension)
• Brain waves (shows changes in brain waves when the mind and body become relaxed)
• Temperature (temperature can reflect stress levels; relaxation induces warmer temperatures)
• Sweat gland activity (measures sweat glands to determine stress levels)

At WhiteSands, we rely on many biofeedback techniques to support clients’ recovery process. Biofeedback can be a powerful recovery tool, especially when part of an overall recovery plan.

What is Biofeedback Therapy Used For?

Today, clinicians use biofeedback therapy to treat many health conditions. Some of these conditions include:

• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Insomnia
• Substance use disorders 
• Chronic pain
• Asthma
• Migraines
• High blood pressure
• Autism spectrum disorders

Biofeedback therapy is used to treat both physical and mental health disorders, making it a dynamic type of therapy. 

How Does Biofeedback Therapy Work?

Trained clinicians train to provide biofeedback applications. Biofeedback techniques often require the use of medical equipment such as electromyography sensors and various other types of sensors that measure things like heart rate, brain waves, temperature, and more. The equipment helps clinicians help clients control functions like breathing in order to promote the benefits of the therapy. 

Treatment Center 

WhiteSands offers biofeedback therapy for clients who have substance use disorders or dual diagnosis. The therapy can enhance the recovery process in both the short and long terms. If you want to learn how biofeedback therapy can benefit your recovery journey, contact WhiteSands. We can discuss how biofeedback and other forms of therapy can help you put substance abuse behind you. The sooner you contact WhiteSands for treatment, the sooner you can get the help you need to manage your drug or alcohol addiction. With treatment, you can transform your life and health for the better.

FAQs:

What is biofeedback therapy?

Biofeedback is a type of therapy that can help clients control physiological and mental processes, including breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension. Using these processes can help clients achieve their recovery goals, including stress reduction. 

How does biofeedback therapy work?

Clinicians manage biofeedback applications with various medical gear that include sensors. They use sensors for measuring brain waves, heart rate, temperature, and more. The medical equipment helps clinicians monitor clients and guide them to make adjustments that enhance their health and well-being. 

What are the benefits of biofeedback therapy?

There are various benefits of biofeedback therapy. These benefits include improved stress reduction, pain management, and more physiological control. Clients report being able to manage cravings and stress better after participating in biofeedback therapy.

What conditions can biofeedback therapy be used to treat?

Biofeedback is used to treat many conditions such as drug and alcohol addiction, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, hypertension, insomnia, migraines, fibromyalgia, and more. The therapy can even help treat asthma and epilepsy. Many people who have mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression also report an improvement in symptom management with biofeedback therapy. 

What techniques are used in biofeedback therapy?

There are various types of biofeedback techniques. These include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery. Biofeedback therapists guide clients through applications, helping them achieve the benefits of this form of therapy. 

Are there any side effects or risks associated with biofeedback therapy?

There are few risks or side effects associated with biofeedback therapy. Most clients at WhiteSands participate in many forms of therapy. Biofeedback is one type of therapy that often forms substance addiction treatment plans. It’s known to be both safe and effective for the treatment of alcohol and drug use disorders and dual diagnosis.

How long does it take to see results from biofeedback therapy?

The benefits of biofeedback therapy may occur quickly for some but require more time for others. Some clients report improvements in their condition after a few sessions. Other clients may require a longer treatment course before they begin to feel biofeedback therapy benefits. Since we individualize therapy at WhiteSands, we will employ this type of treatment on an individual basis. Some clients may need a longer course of treatment than others. 

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.