Biofeedback is a mind-body therapy that can improve physical and mental health. During a biofeedback session, a practitioner will use painless sensors to measure certain bodily functions. You will see the results on a screen, then test ways to change the results. With practice, you will be able to make adjustments without the equipment.
Biofeedback is an alternative medicine approach that teaches people to change the way their bodies function. It is a mind-body therapy that may improve your physical and mental health.
During a biofeedback session, a practitioner uses monitoring equipment and instruments to measure your body’s functions. Based on feedback from the instruments, the practitioner suggests how you can create physiologic changes. With education and practice, you can learn to make those bodily changes without equipment.
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People use biofeedback to help relieve many issues, such as:
Biofeedback also may help people with:
During a biofeedback session, your provider places painless sensors on your skin. The sensors measure physiological signals from your body, such as:
A nearby screen displays the results, which your practitioner will explain. Then your practitioner will suggest strategies to change how your body is functioning. The practitioner may ask you to:
As you try each suggestion, you can watch how it affects the results on the screen in real time. With practice, you can learn to create the same bodily changes without the feedback screen or the practitioner’s prompts.
Biofeedback can help you feel more in control of your health and wellness. It is noninvasive, and there are no side effects or potential complications.
With practice during and between sessions, you can learn how to make small changes to relieve stress, improve performance, and ease aches and pains.
Some consider biofeedback a type of training, rather than a treatment. For it to work, you must attend multiple sessions. You’ll need to participate actively and practice between appointments.
The number of treatments varies widely, depending on the:
Biofeedback complements medical care — it does not replace it. Most people use biofeedback along with other treatments. For example, someone with chronic pain may take medications and learn biofeedback.
Do not delay seeing a medical healthcare provider for a health issue, even if biofeedback helps you manage your condition. Keep taking your prescribed medications, no matter how helpful biofeedback is.
Some insurance companies cover biofeedback for certain conditions, but others do not. And your plan may limit the number of treatments it covers.
Ask your insurance company if it will cover treatments for your specific issue, and how many sessions. You may need a referral from a doctor or other healthcare provider.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Many people are turning to complementary or alternative methods to improve health and wellness. Biofeedback is a risk-free way to take control of your own physical and mental wellness. With education and practice, you can learn to control certain bodily functions. The results can improve performance, ease symptoms and boost health. If you decide to try biofeedback, find a qualified professional and check his or her credentials.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/21/2020.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy