Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a technique that helps people improve health by using signals from their own bodies. Special instruments are used to accurately measure, process, and provide “feedback” about nerves, muscles and body activity. Biofeedback sensors measure a muscle’s electrical activity (at rest and during contraction) using  probes or external electrodes. You and your therapist view these measurements on a computer screen, and use them to accurately identify and control muscles.

Biofeedback should be performed by a well-trained clinician with specialty certification. We are pleased to have Linda LaBorde, PT, one of the Milwaukee-area's leading biofeedback-certified physical therapist, on our staff.

 

. . . For Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Research has shown that biofeedback can be effective for pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD.) As one element of a therapy program, biofeedback can help teach patients how to properly perform pelvic floor exercises – knowledge that can be carried forward for the rest of life.

 

. . . For Spine Conditions

Biofeedback can also bring added benefit for spine conditions in helping to restore muscle balance.  When there is muscle imbalance, one or more muscle groups are either too active or not active enough, creating an upset in the biomechanical functioning of the area.  With the use of small skin sensors, biofeedback can help the patient learn how to very specifically activate and/or relax the muscles at fault – facilitating restoration of muscle balance.

Consider the example of a patient who has had a spinal surgery with resolution of nerve pain who, despite traditional physical therapy efforts, continues to have lingering back pain.  We have used biofeedback in cases like this to specifically re-educate a key muscle in the back:  the multifidus.  Studies have shown the multifidus frequently becomes atrophied and weak in patients with chronic back pain.  In addition, this muscle can become disrupted during spine surgery.  Biofeedback can help the patient isolate this important muscle, retraining it to “do its job.”  When the spine is stabilized with proper muscle function, performance in key activities improves.

 

. . . For Extremity Conditions

A commonly recurring extremity condition is shoulder rotator cuff tendonitis.  The rotator cuff muscles must function in harmony with the muscles around the scapula (the shoulder blade) and upper back.  We commonly see an imbalance between how the upper back muscles are working with the rotator cuff muscles during shoulder activity.  Biofeedback can be used to relax an overworking muscle like the upper trapezius, and strengthen typically weak muscles like the rhomboid and middle trapezius. Good balance at the scapula and upper back creates a good foundation for the rotator cuff to properly rehabilitate.

If you have had physical therapy for a spine, extremity, or pelvic floor condition and continue to have pain and dysfunction, biofeedback may help you.  Please contact our office to set up a consultation.