About Biofeedback

Table of Contents

• What is Biofeedback?
• Indications for the Use of BioFeedback and Applied Psychophysiological Therapy
• Typical Procedures in Biofeedback
• Insurance Reimbursement and Biofeedback

What is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a modality of treatment for functional disorders in which physiological measures are monitored and transformed into simple auditory or visual information. The patient learns to control and modify the physiological response being measured – bringing it back to a healthy level of functioning. Biofeedback is a safe, effective, cost-effective, and noninvasive procedure.

• Biofeedback is done by qualified professionals from many disciplines including psychology, medicine and other allied health specialties.
  
  
• Biofeedback certification exists in which competency requirements must be met by way of both supervision and written and practical examination.
  
  
• Biofeedback is used to treat such disorders and health problems as chronic pain, headache, hypertension, GI problems, Raynaud's disease, stroke rehabilitation, urinary and fecal incontinence, Attention Deficit Disorder and stress-related disorders.
  
  
• Stress costs untold millions of dollars in health care and lost time from work. Biofeedback provides training in self-care, shifting responsibility for health to the patient.
  
  
• Biofeedback frequently enhances the effectiveness of other treatments when used in conjunction with other therapies and makes patients more aware of their own role in health and disease prevention.

Indications for the Use of BioFeedback and Applied Psychophysiological Therapy

The most common indications for BioFeedback and Applied Psychophysiological Therapy are:

• Pain Disorders
  Biofeedback and other self-regulation procedures may aid in management of tension and migraine headaches and other neuromuscular pain disorders. With some pain disorders, Biofeedback is used to help patients cope with pain and adapt less emotionally to the pain experience.
  
  
• Behavioral Disorders
  Applications of psychophysiological technology to biofeedback-assisted relaxation and to desensitization is a common adjunct in treating post-traumatic stress, generalized anxiety, various phobias and anger/self-regulation disturbances.
  
  
• Attention Disturbances
  Attention Deficit disorders and disturbances are often treated with Electroencephalographic (EEG) Biofeedback
  
  
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
  Irritable bowel syndrome, urinary & fecal incontinence and urinary & fecal retention disorders
  
  
• CNS Disorders
  Stroke, some epilepsies, some neuropathies
  
  
• Excessive Motor Tone
  Neuromuscular disorders of spasticity, cramping and/or chronic muscle contraction movement disorders

Typical Procedures in Biofeedback

Typical specific training modalities may include:

• Electromyograph (EMG) biofeedback
• Peripheral skin temperature (TEMP) biofeedback
• Skin conductance (GSR) biofeedback
• Electroencephalograph (EEG) biofeedback

• Autogenic Training
• Neuromuscular Relaxation
• Jacobsonian Relaxation
• Breath Training

• Lessons on audio cassettes
• Use of portable biofeedback devices at home
• Self-monitoring of pain, stress and/or relaxation

• Evaluation, usually monitoring physiological levels during specific mental and physical tasks
• Training with biofeedback monitoring to train in self-regulation of body systems
• Generalization training and transfer of skills to everyday life.
• Practitioners should be skilled in specific training techniques which aid patients in gaining better control of disregulated body systems. BCIA Certification Biofeedback is highly recommended.

Insurance Reimbursement and Biofeedback

Who should do Biofeedback?

A broad variety of professionals provide Biofeedback services including Chiropractic Doctors, Dentists, Medical Doctors, Nurses, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers and Teachers.

What is considered the minimum level of competency in Biofeedback?

Initial certification in Biofeedback is considered the minimum level of competency in Biofeedback. The certifying body is the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA), Wheat Ridge, CO. http://www.bcia.org

How long should Biofeedback therapy take?

The majority of uncomplicated cases are completed within 10 to 30 sessions. Complicated cases may require further treatment, as many as 50 sessions.

Why should Biofeedback be reimbursable?

Because Biofeedback therapy is a drugless, safe, effective, cost-efficient method for treating specific disorders.

Should you pay for the rental or purchase of Biofeedback Home Training devices?

Yes, if prescribed and justified by documentation. Home training is often an integral part of Biofeedback therapy.