Biofeedback, according to Mayo Clinic Staff is the process by which one gains control over some of the involuntary body functions and this later translates to healing. It involves measurements of a person’s physiological and biomechanical aspects that are taken and then utilized in the treatment of various illnesses. These measurements include the cardiovascular system, respiratory, or neuromuscular aspects. One of the tests that are likely to be carried out is ultrasounds. These tests are mostly carried out immediately a patient checks into a health clinic having either an accident or health condition such as hypertension or cardiovascular accidents.
Biofeedback is used for several purposes in the medical field. Firstly, it is useful in the diagnosis of patients once they check into a medical facility with diverse complaints. Various tests like ultrasound and laboratory tests are carried out before a consensus is reached. Secondly, it is used in the restoration of movement after injury, such as movement of limbs, especially in severe accidents where one has a dislocation or damage of the limbs. According to Mayo Clinic Staff, the information collected from the patient is carefully analyzed and used to arrive at a treatment option such as bone restructuring and regaining muscle movements. Thirdly, neuromuscular biofeedback is a measure of the musculoskeletal and nervous system operation in a patient through tests such as ultrasound imaging. The information gathered is then useful in ways such as rectifying muscular irregularities and rehabilitation after an accident.
According to Krans of healthline, cardiovascular biofeedback which measures the heart rate is information that is useful in the treatment of heart-related illnesses such as blood pressure. Most of these heart diseases are common in old age and at most are as a result of the lifestyle that one has been having in their lifetime. Although the effects of poor lifestyle cannot be reversed, through the use of biofeedback, solutions are realized regarding these problems.
Respiratory feedback entails a measure of a patient’s breathing rate that is measured using electrodes. This information is useful for establishing breathing exercises for a patient, which is then further used in the treatment of respiratory diseases such as hypertension. Although Krans proposes that biofeedback is most effective in the treatment of stress related ailments, it is also useful in the detection and treatment of common respiratory ailments.
Biomechanical biofeedback is useful for treatment of physical activity and movement. It is aided by tests such as force plate systems that measure the force that a body generates during movement. Technological advancement has led to further studies and implementation of electric stimulation of the muscle, which is common in physiotherapy processes. This procedure for stimulation is important in that it strengthens the muscles and reduces spacity (Stokes 403). Krans further outlines diseases such as chronic pain, constipation, asthma and stress amongst others that are easily treated through biofeedback.
Overall, biofeedback has facilitated intensive research into common ailments such as immune disorders, neurological and muscular disorders (Wainapel and Fast 208). This research once carried out will provide solutions to various medical disorders and, thereby, alleviate suffering. With further advancement in technology, the future of medical treatment looks brighter since the information gained from biofeedback will be much more useful in treatment. Research will improve on the existing methods of collection of this information to eventually incorporate user-friendly techniques, especially for individuals with cognitive deficiencies. Treatment of motor dysfunction, which leads to stroke in a large percentage of patients is treatable through the use of biofeedback (Schwartz and Andrasik 78). Consequently, this has been a great improvement in the medical field.
Biofeedback has extensive application in rehabilitation and has effectively assisted many people in attaining good health, which would otherwise have been impossible (Kiefer). According to Mayo Clinic Staff, biofeedback is important in that it enables one control their normal body functions in such a way that there is a reduction of pain and ultimately healing takes place. To sustain this exemplary track in the medical field, it is necessary that all workers in the health care system undertake intensive training in the use of various machines for the collection of biodata.
Works Cited
Kiefer, David. “Overview of Biofeedback.” WebMD, 30 May 2014. Web. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/biofeedback-therapy-uses-benefits
Krans, Brian. “Biofeedback.” Healthline, 11 January 2016. Web. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/health/biofeedback#Overview1
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Biofeedback Overview.” Mayo Clinic, 14 January 2016. Web. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biofeedback/home/ovc-20169724
Schwartz, Mark S. and Frank Andrasik. Eds. Biofeedback: A Practitioner's Guide. 4th ed. New York: Guilford Press, 2011. Print.
Stokes, Maria. Ed. Physical Management in Neurological Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. New York: Elsevier, 2004. Print.
Wainapel, Stanley F. and Avital Fast. Eds. Alternative Medicine and Rehabilitation: A Guide for Practitioners. New York, NY: Demos Medical Publishing, 2003. Print.
