Biofeedback is the process of learning to control one’s bodily functions like breath, heart rate, or skin temperature. We connect patients to electrical sensors that measure and give information (feedback) about the body (bio). This allows you to record and learn to control subtle changes like relaxing muscles or reducing stress.
Neurofeedback differs from Biofeedback because it deals with an individual’s autonomic functions and gaining control of them. Power over one’s body can lead to an improved state of health.*
When you visit our Ridgefield office, expect to professional care and expert treatment. Our clinic is run by professionally trained practitioners and all data is interpreted by Dr. Roseann herself.
Biofeedback therapy is a non-invasive treatment that helps one control involuntary bodily processes. This can include muscle tension, blood pressure or even heart rate. There are also several conditions that can be treated with Biofeedback such as headaches, chronic pain or high blood pressure. By successfully identifying certain mental activities or physical reactions, Biofeedback can help patients regulate unconscious bodily processes and help them learn to control their stress response.*
Biofeedback focuses on helping patients gain control over physiological activity therefore improving ones overall health and performance.* Neurofeedback focuses on a type of subconscious training, where the individual will teach their brain how to function more optimally.
There are three common types of Biofeedback. The first is, electromyography (EMG) feedback which includes measuring muscle tension overtime. The second is thermal or temperature biofeedback that focuses on body temperature over time, and the third is electroencephalography which measures brain wave activity over time.
At the office of Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, Ed.D., LPC, BCN, we provide our Biofeedback services for a variety of different age ranges including children, adolescents, teens, and families. To help alleviate stress and promote wellness, our staff always provides a non-judgmental atmosphere. Our main priority is to help all of our patients on the road to better health.
All of our Biofeedback therapies will be recorded through a QEEG otherwise known as brain mapping. Dr. Roseann, our highly qualified practitioner will interpret all of the QEEG data we receive. From there, she will be able to craft a completely custom Biofeedback treatment based on the data that will be used to assist our patients.*
There are two kinds of devices that can be used to retrieve data from Biofeedback therapy.
Wearable devices– This type of device will be worn on the waist or head to track breathing and heart rate. By utilizing senors utilize sensors all monitored by an app. The app can assist with with irregular breathing patterns or tension by taking you through calming breathing exercises.
Computers/mobile devices– Sensory plugs are also able to be inserted into computers that track physiological shifts in your body, such as your skin or heart rate activity. Through the use of interactive graphics and images, the use of the computer can help regulate stress, inducing positive thoughts, calmness, and relaxed muscles.
Biofeedback is not always covered by insurance, and may be excluded from a list of insurance reimbursement. More often than not, therapists are known as out of network coverage, which needs to be double-checked with your provider. It’s always good to check with your health care provider beforehand or simply ask your therapist for more information about the process as well as payment plans.
Biofeedback has been proven to be safe, however it should not replace standard medical care completely, and it is often used as a complementary medical treatment alongside other treatment.*
During a Biofeedback session, patients will have numerous sensors attached to multiple parts of their body which have been placed by the therapist. Once activated and the patient has been put into a calm state, these sensors will send electrical signals to a display monitor. During the process, the patient will receive flashing lights, images or sounds which all correspond to a physiological activity. While the patient is receiving this feedback, they will learn to adjust to their reactions just by changing a thought, mood or behavior.
Biofeedback sessions can range from 60-90 minutes, it all depends on how well the patient adapts to the treatment. The amount of sessions you participate and types will also depend on the individual, we usually have our patients come in anywhere for 20 to 100 or more sessions.*
*The effectiveness of diagnosis and treatment vary by patient and condition. Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge & Associates does not guarantee certain results.
