Pediatric Biofeedback Program
Pediatric Biofeedback Program
3700 California Street, B Level
San Francisco, CA
Appointment Scheduling: 415-600-0770
What is Biofeedback Therapy?
Biofeedback assists a child in managing a variety of health problems through muscle awareness and re-education. This therapy has proven extremely useful for patients with anxiety and stress, asthma, vocal cord dysfunction, cystic fibrosis, bowel dysfunction, headaches, chronic pain and sleep disorders. With the tools learned in biofeedback, patients can better understand how the body works and can apply techniques such as breathing exercises, muscle retraining, diet, and lifestyle management to improve their well being.
How does biofeedback work?
During biofeedback sessions, the specialist attaches painless sensors to the patient’s body which "feed back" information to a computer. This data graphically depicts physiological information such as muscle tension, skin temperature and breathing patterns. By observing these body signals, the biofeedback specialist can identify problem areas and determine appropriate therapies. For instance, the specialist can help a child with chronic headaches by regulating his or her breathing and muscle tension to address the underlying cause of pain.
Areas of Focus
Asthma/Vocal Cord Dysfunction – Children learn tools for managing their asthma during biofeedback sessions. Techniques include proper breathing, airway clearance and muscle relaxation. As a result, children develop greater awareness and voluntary control over their breathing pattern and have greater confidence in dealing with respiratory difficulties.
Headaches - The goal of biofeedback therapy for headaches is not to eliminate the pain, but to manage it.
Your specialist will work to identify the factors which might trigger a headache (diet, stress, environmental factors, hormonal and other physical causes), then assist your child in controlling them through exercise, relaxation training and autonomic self control.
Cystic Fibrosis - Biofeedback therapy helps children with cystic fibrosis manage their condition. They learn autogenic drainage techniques and diaphragmatic breathing, which aid in improving mucous drainage and oxygenation and in developing a more efficient way of breathing.
Bowel Dysfunction - Biofeedback therapy is also effective for children requiring treatment for chronic constipation/encopresis. Diet management, behavior management, increased abdominal muscle and external anal sphincter control all help to reduce the occurrence of "accidents" (incontinence). Successful retraining also contributes to a child’s improved self-esteem and confidence.
Session Overview
Biofeedback therapy is appropriate for children who are able to sit and follow instructions for 30-45 minutes (generally five years of age and older).
In most cases, basic techniques can be learned in 6-10 weeks. At each visit, different methods are explored so the child can determine which are the most helpful. As with any new skill, biofeedback techniques must be practiced until they become automatic. Follow-up visits are scheduled to assess progress.
Patient Referral and Insurance Coverage
Before making an appointment, a referral is required from a specialist (gastroenterologist, pulmonologist, neurologist, oncologist, etc.) or primary care physician. Most insurance companies cover biofeedback treatment sessions. Please contact us at 415-600-0750 if you have questions regarding coverage.
California Pacific Medical Center
- Pediatric Specialty Services –
Specialty pediatric services at CPMC in San Francisco feature some of the top-rated pediatric physician specialists in the San Francisco Bay Area and northern California. We deliver family-centered care to babies, young children, adolescents, and children through age 18 using the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options available.
San Francisco | Marin | Northern California | San Francisco Bay Area
