Biofeedback therapy is one of the many services that we offer to help our patients minimize pain, decrease anxiety and depression, improve circulation, improve performance, gain awareness and achieve long-term wellness.

What is Biofeedback Therapy?

Biofeedback Therapy is a Mind-Body technique used to teach patients how to influence their autonomic nervous systems - the part of the body that controls involuntary physical functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension, and brainwave frequency.

Thermometers used to take your temperature or scales used to weigh yourself are examples of biofeedback devices that you may recognize. These devices give information "feedback" about your body's "bio" condition. At Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation we use complex biofeedback machines and computer software to detect internal bodily functions with great sensitivity and precision that allow these physical functions to be translated in ways that can be understood.

During therapy the biofeedback therapist will use cognitive-behavioral interventions such as cognitive restructuring, stress management, visualization and imagery to teach you how you can self-regulate your body and eventually do so without feedback. In essence, biofeedback is a psychophysiological mirror by which a patient can monitor and learn from physiological signals produced by their bodies and can see in real time how their thoughts, emotions and body are interconnected.

Who can benefit from Biofeedback Therapy?

Biofeedback can be used to control brain activity, muscle tension and heart rate. It is used, in part, to care for a wide range of health problems which include the treatment of headaches, migraines, disorders that cause chronic pain, disorders of the digestive system, anxiety disorders, high or low blood pressure, Raynaud's disease, urinary incontinence, gastrointestinal disorders, epilepsy, paralysis and other movement disorders.

What can I expect during a Biofeedback Therapy session?

During a biofeedback session, a certified biofeedback therapist will attach sensors to different parts of your body to monitor your physiological response to physical and emotional stressors. The computer display is similar to the display seen on devices used to monitor EKG, EEG and vital signs used in a traditional healthcare setting. On the initial visit (60-90 minutes), the results from this session will be used to identify causes, risk factors or co-factors to the condition in which you are seeking therapy. After the data is

Biofeedback therapy sessions thereafter (30-45 minutes each, and the number of sessions can vary from several to 15-20) will also involve biofeedback devices and include a training component that supports developing self-awareness. As self-awareness increases you will begin to achieve more insight and control of your health.

Protocols are followed and evidenced-based practice procedures are implemented into care, but the outcome very much depends, as always when regaining one's health, on the patient's commitment to care. Along with biofeedback therapy performed in the office, the patient will be asked to do "homework" to practice self-regulation exercises. The same way that you need to practice a sport/activity, a musical instrument, cooking/baking, etc..., biofeedback therapy also requires practice. Keep in mind when learning to master a skill, initially what may seem like "work" will soon become effortless and done unconsciously.

We may not be able to control how people treat us or the life circumstances that we face, but we can control how our mind and bodies respond to those stressors.  With biofeedback therapy you can learn how to control your respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and muscle activity as well as your thoughts.  Once you have learned to change the way your body responds to stress, you can begin to significantly reduce the financial and physical costs that are associated with stress.  A person must be proactive to achieve any goal, especially in the case where the goal is long-term health and wellness.  The commitment that you make to complete care and to make the necessary changes to your habits and your health will benefit you for the rest of your life. 

If you are interested in learning more about biofeedback therapy
and how it can help you achieve long-term health and wellness,
call NMR, schedule your complimentary consult and met with one of our doctors to learn how. 

To receive a complimentary half hour consultation

Ingredients:

3 cups of whole grain rolled oats (not quick cooking)

1 cup of chopped Walnuts (or your favorite nut)

1 cup shredded, unsweetened Coconut

2 tsp. Cinnamon

1 Tbsp. Vanilla

1/4 cup Honey or Agave Syrup

1/4 cup Olive Oil

2 egg whites, whisked until foamy

* 1 cup of dried fruit (blueberries, cranberries, cherries) *Add after baked & cooled off   

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees
• Mix the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
• In a small bowl combine the wet ingredients.
• Add the wet ingredients to the large bowl and mix together.
• Spread onto a large baking pan and gently press into the pan.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes.
• Remove from oven, and let it sit to cool off completely and become crunchy!
• Add dried fruit and mix into the granola breaking up the clusters into bite size chunks.
• Store in an air-tight container.

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Dr. Vincent Sferra
Director of Physical Rehabilitation

Natural Medicine & Rehabilitation

   Board Certified Chiropractic Physician

   Certified Clinical Nutritionist

   CSCS Certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association