Biofeedback Answers from a New York Psychiatrist

What is biofeedback?

Biofeedback is what it is-- a stress management and muscle re-educating tool. There are many different ways of reducing stress including deep breathing, yoga, laughing, meditation, exercise and stretching to name just a few! Biofeedback is just another way, although we believe it to be an exceptionally effective one.

What conditions has biofeedback been proven to treat?

A wide range including anxiety disorders, blepharospasm, bruxism (teeth grinding), cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, headaches; both migraine and muscle tension type, paralysis resulting from stroke, hot flash syndrome, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome and other forms of colitis, Raynaud's disease, sexual disorders of varying types, stress management, stuttering, tics, tinnitus, torticollis, tremors, and writer's cramp. 

Is Biofeedback safe for everyone?

Unlike injections or medications, biofeedback is noninvasive, meaning that there is nothing entering into the body. It is a learning procedure with no side effects at all. Biofeedback sessions are completely painless.

Does Biofeedback take the place of medication?

Sometimes it does and often biofeedback together with proper medication results in a combined effective treatment.

Is Biofeedback treatment covered by my insurance?

For specific diagnoses insurance companies do recognize biofeedback as  a reimbursable treatment. The contract with your insurance company may vary.

Where are Biofeedback treatments administered?

Our office maintains state-of-the-art computerized biofeedback units. Generally therapy is conducted in the office for a limited time as results are obtained. Occasionally home units are provided for additional treatment.

Is Biofeedback a form of meditation or yoga?

No, biofeedback is specific technique teaching the brain to manage body conditions that had otherwise been unregulated. For instance, tension headaches resulting in tightness of the forehead and neck muscles are relieved by teaching those body parts to enter an effective state of relaxation.

Is Biofeedback effective for my particular condition?

A single diagnostic evaluation session by our medical director determines whether you are a suitable candidate for this type of treatment or whether another form of therapy is indicated. There is no overall rule, for every patient must be seen as an individual.