Two innovative therapeutic techniques have gained popularity across the U.S. over the past decade: biofeedback and neurofeedback. Both of these treatments have been thoroughly studied and are regularly leveraged to treat a variety of conditions. But what exactly sets these therapies apart?
At Braincode Centers, we are proud practitioners of both neurofeedback therapy and biofeedback therapy. Today we’re using our years of expertise to outline the key differences between these techniques.
What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback is a state-of-the-art therapy that works to support your mental and physical well-being. This treatment uses electrical sensors to transmit real-time data about your body. Biofeedback measures things like:
- Brainwaves
- Breathing
- Heart rate
- Muscle contractions
- And more
The system is essentially gathering and analyzing data regarding your physiological reactions to specific cues. During your therapy, specific stimuli like beeping sounds, flashing lights, or changes on a monitor screen will trigger without notice. The biofeedback machine then measures how you react to those various stimuli.
Over time, this therapy will help you gain control over your reactions and improve them for the future.
Who Can Benefit from Biofeedback?
Anyone and everyone can find some type of benefit or value from biofeedback sessions. This treatment will increase your control over your body, enhance your self-awareness, and may even reduce chronic pain (WebMD).
That said, biofeedback therapy offers value for individuals with specific medical conditions and mental health conditions. Consider giving biofeedback a try if you suffer from:
- Anxiety
- ADHD
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Recurring headaches or migraines
What is Neurofeedback?
Neurofeedback exists in a similar line of thinking as biofeedback. Technically, neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback therapy as it is also known as EEG biofeedback.
Neurofeedback is an innovative therapy that works to support your mental well-being by retraining your brain.
In a nutshell, neurofeedback is the process of measuring your brain’s electrical activity in real-time and using a positive reward system to rework your brainwave patterns.
During treatment, electrodes will be placed to specific areas of your head to measure your brain activity. When your brainwaves are within optimal ranges, you’ll be given a positive reward to reinforce that brain activity. Usually, that reward is a movie, game, or song.
However, when your brainwave patterns fall out of that range, the reward is taken away. Through operant conditioning, you will gradually learn how to retrain your cognitive behaviors to get the mental health benefits you’re looking for.
Who Can Benefit from Neurofeedback?
As with biofeedback, almost anyone can benefit from neurofeedback. This treatment can rebalance your brain activity to help you lead your best life.
Since this therapy focuses on improving mental health, it’s best suited to treat a variety of mental health disorders and conditions (Psychology Today). These include:
- ADHD
- Anxiety disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attachment disorders
- Mood disorders
- Memory problems
- Depression
- Trauma & PTSD
- And more
So, What Exactly Is the Difference Between Biofeedback and Neurofeedback?
As noted earlier, neurofeedback is technically a form of biofeedback therapy (called EEG biofeedback). These therapies also share a common goal of achieving long-term results for each patient.
Because there is overlap between these treatments, it can be confusing which is which. Here’s an easy way to remember how they are different: focus on the prefixes of the terms (“bio-” and “neuro-“).
Biofeedback therapy helps individuals gain control over their physiological reactions, hence the “bio” prefix.
Neurofeedback therapy works to improve brainwave activity for better mental health, hence the “neuro” prefix.
Find Out More About Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Today
Whether you’re searching for biofeedback treatment or neurofeedback training, Braincode Centers is the place to call.
Our skilled clinicians understand the ins and outs of these types of biofeedback therapy. After an initial consultation in Denver or Dallas, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan to align with your goals and current therapies. With our support, you’ll gain the resources to improve your physical or mental well-being.
Contact Braincode Centers today to set up your consultation and find out if you could benefit from biofeedback and neurofeedback.
