Biofeedback therapy: How it works, types, and what it treats

Reviewed by Robert Bogenberger, PhD

Written by

therapist.com team

Last updated: 05/24/2024

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What is biofeedback therapy?

Biofeedback therapy (or “biofeedback training”) helps people learn to control certain bodily functions by becoming more aware of them. These bodily functions are normally involuntary, such as muscle tension, heart rate, and blood pressure. 

Physical and mental health affect one another. When you feel stressed mentally, your body reacts physically: muscles tighten, your breath shortens, and your heart rate increases. Learning how to manage these reactions can help reduce the physical symptoms of stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

How does biofeedback therapy work?

During biofeedback, you’re connected to sensors that measure certain bodily functions. These sensors provide real-time feedback, putting out cues you can see and hear. A trained biofeedback practitioner guides the therapy as these cues are created. Common measures include heart rate, breathing, muscle contractions, blood flow, and brain waves.

Your biofeedback therapist will help you practice relaxation techniques to control different body functions based on the feedback. For example, respiratory biofeedback involves wearing sensor bands around the chest and abdomen to monitor breathing rates and patterns. Through biofeedback training, you can learn to modify your breathing to achieve desired results.

Other examples include:

• A person with frequent tension headaches hearing a tone that rises or falls as the muscles in their head tense or relax
• A child with anxiety trying to move a ball on a video screen by producing relaxing brain waves

Biofeedback requires motivation, time, effort, practice, and honest communication with your therapist. They’ll discuss your symptoms and goals with you to determine the appropriate techniques and treatment plan. Over time, you can learn to apply these techniques in daily life without the need for monitoring equipment.

Biofeedback sessions can last anywhere from 20 to 90 minutes.¹ The number of sessions and the length of each session depends on the overall goals of the therapy. Browse our directory to find a therapist near you.

What is biofeedback therapy used for?

Health care providers have used biofeedback therapy as a supplementary treatment for a wide variety of conditions and mental health issues. Researchers are still studying its effectiveness for conditions including:

• Anxiety
• Depression²
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Chronic pain³
• Urinary incontinence⁴
• Headache
• Stroke

Types of biofeedback therapy

Different types of biofeedback therapy target different bodily functions. Some of the most common include:

Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback involves measuring your heart rate in real time. You’ll learn breathing techniques that will help you change their heart rate. Research shows that this type of biofeedback therapy is helpful for a wide variety of issues, from asthma to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).⁵

Neurofeedback therapy (sometimes called EEG biofeedback) involves using sensors to measure brain function. Therapists have used this type of biofeedback for ADHD as well as some treatment-resistant seizure disorders.^6,7 However, its use still remains controversial.⁸

Electromyography (EMG) biofeedback places sensors on the body to measure muscle activity and tension. This type of biofeedback therapy attempts to teach people how to improve or relieve chronic pain.⁹

Thermal biofeedback involves placing sensors on the skin to measure body temperature. One use of this type of biofeedback is for stress.¹⁰ When a person experiences stress, their skin temperature tends to decrease. Becoming more aware of this can help someone notice when they may be experiencing stress.

Galvanic skin responses measure how active the sweat glands on a person’s skin are at a given time. This may be an indicator of certain emotional reactions such as anxiety.¹¹

Pelvic floor biofeedback involves retraining the pelvic floor muscles that help with bowel movement, bladder function issues, or pain.¹² Sensors that relay muscle activity to a computer can help identify which muscles aren’t functioning well, allowing patients to learn pelvic floor exercises which target them.

What are the side effects of biofeedback therapy?

Biofeedback therapy is generally considered safe, with few side effects. Some people may experience fatigue, headaches, or dizziness.¹³ However, some researchers believe that the side effects of biofeedback (specifically neurofeedback) are underestimated and should be further researched. 

About biofeedback devices

Biofeedback machines and devices can range from medical equipment to at-home wearable devices. Therapists can guide clients in selecting the most appropriate devices for their specific biofeedback therapy and treatment goals.

• Clinical biofeedback devices: These devices are often FDA-approved and found in the offices of biofeedback therapists. Most are used under a therapist’s supervision, though some may be approved for home use.
• Personal biofeedback devices: Personal use wearables are increasingly available and affordable. Certain biofeedback devices use wearable sensors to track physiological functions. Others may have a wider use but can function for biofeedback. Both types may deliver results via apps or through connecting the device to a personal computer.

Practicing biofeedback therapy at home

You can do biofeedback therapy at home, but it may be best to learn the techniques from a qualified professional first. Some ways to practice biofeedback at home include:

• Using home biofeedback devices: Home biofeedback devices connect to your smartphone or computer. These devices can help you independently practice biofeedback techniques by providing real-time data on your bodily functions.
• Practicing relaxation techniques: You can practice relaxation techniques learned during biofeedback sessions. You won’t need biofeedback equipment to practice techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery.
• Using biofeedback apps: Mobile apps that lead users through biofeedback therapy exercises are being developed, and some studies have already shown potentially promising results.¹⁴ These apps give you feedback based on your device’s sensors or your manual input.
• Self-monitoring: To better manage stress, observe your breathing, heart rate, and muscle tension during stressful moments. Then, use relaxation techniques as needed.

While home biofeedback can be beneficial, it should not replace professional guidance, particularly for those with health issues. Consult a qualified biofeedback therapist to create a customized plan and learn proper techniques before practicing independently. Visit our therapist directory to find a licensed mental health professional near you.