This Material was written by Bette Runck, staff wrtier, Division of Communication and Education, National Institue of Mental Health. Biofeedback is a treatment technique in which people are trained to improve their health by using signals from their own bodies. Physical therapists use biofeedback to help stroke victims regain movement in paralyzed muscles.
Psychologists use it to help tense and anxious clients learn to relax.
Specialists in many different fields use biofeedback to help their patients cope with pain. Chances are you have used biofeedback yourself. You've used it if you have ever taken your temperature or stepped on a scale. The thermometer tells you whether you're running a fever, the scale whether you've gained weight. Armed with this information, you can take steps you've learned to improve the condition.