Biofeedback
Our Biofeedback program teaches older children and teens how to voluntarily
control body functions, such as muscle tension and blood pressure. To do this,
we first teach your child to recognize the cues of an oncoming health problem,
such as a headache. Next, we help your child learn to use relaxation techniques
that, after practice, may help prevent problems or improve them once they’ve
started.
Meet the Biofeedback care team.
Conditions we treat
Our Biofeedback program works with older children and teens who have conditions
that include:
- Tension and migraine
headaches
Children tend to get the same types of headaches as adults. Two common types are
tension headaches and migraines. Tension headaches are caused by tight muscles
in your child's shoulders, neck, head and jaw. Migraines are severe headaches
that keep coming back. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to
light often come along with migraines.
- Raynaud’s phenomenon
Cold temperatures or strong emotions can cause the blood vessels of people with
Raynaud’s phenomenon to narrow. This blocks blood flow to their body parts,
including fingers, toes, ears and nose. The affected body parts turn white and
blue, and become very painful. Attacks can last from minutes to hours.
- Borderline high blood pressure (hypertension) (PDF)
While high blood pressure is more common in adults, children and teens can develop the problem. If untreated, high blood pressure can eventually damage many organs of the body, including the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes. The normal range for blood pressure depends on your child's sex, age and height.
