Biofeedback Services

Biofeedback is a treatment technique in which individuals are trained to take control of their health by recognizing their body’s response to certain conditions. Biofeedback is not a drug or pain reliever but is an instrument that measures the body’s internal functions with far greater sensitivity than a person can consciously perceive.

Research indicates that individuals can be trained to have more control over “so called” involuntary functions like brain activity, blood pressure, heart rate and breathing.

Stress influences our emotions which, in turn, affect body systems. Using biofeedback, individuals are able to visualize via monitors, their body’s physical response to stress including muscular response. Electrical signals from the muscles are translated into a form the patient can understand, such as an alarm or flashing light, which allows patients to understand when muscles are tensed versus relaxed.

Biofeedback Specialists Team
Therapists in Beaver Dam Community Hospital’s Rehab Services Department have received specialized training in biofeedback. Therapists teach patients how to use relaxation exercises to change to the body's response to stress.

In addition to relaxation training, treatment may include patient education on dietary triggers, sleep patterns, exercise, behavior strategies and lifestyle modification. Therapists also utilize biofeedback in conjunction with standard physical and occupational therapy for those patients with disorders requiring muscular training.

Beaver Dam Community Hospital’s Biofeedback is provided by Occupational Therapists.

Indications for Biofeedback
Biofeedback is an effective treatment option for many medical conditions. Used alone or in combination with other treatment methods, biofeedback may be indicated for:
Chronic muscle pain
Headaches, tension, and migraine
Spasticity, muscle weakness and imbalance caused by stroke
Urinary incontinence, stress and urgency
Pelvic pain
Anxiety and high blood pressure
Fibromyalgia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Raynaud’s Disease
TMJ

Referral for Biofeedback
Individuals interested in biofeedback sessions should discuss this treatment option with their physician. A physician’s order is required for billing insurances and Medicare.

Information and Appointments
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call the Rehab Services Department at (920) 887-4039