Question: How did you come to biofeedback?
Answer: I started working with biofeedback almost 20 years ago. At that time, I completed my training at the European Biofeedback Academy and equipped myself accordingly. The initial fascination has not waned to this day. Every new client brings new and exciting insights - I am always curious about what we see in the measurement and how I can explain it. Biofeedback provides me with an objective basis for visualising inner processes - that still excites me today.
Question: How do you use biofeedback for migraines? What complaints do your patients report for which biofeedback is particularly helpful?
Answer: The effect of biofeedback on migraines is very diverse. People with chronic migraine attacks usually suffer not only from the pain itself, but also from the side effects of the medication and often also from psychological stress. When biofeedback works, it not only reduces the frequency of attacks - it also increases their enjoyment of life, boosts their confidence and many people report that they feel they can make a difference again.
Question:In your experience, which biofeedback parameters are particularly helpful for migraines?
Answer: I always use two parameters for everyone: hand warming training (temperature feedback) and vasoconstriction training. I also pay attention to breathing - many people constantly breathe too shallowly, too quickly or exclusively into the chest. Muscle tension is also often an issue, especially in the trapezius. If I recognise in the stress test that there is excessive or uneven tension there, that is my starting point. I explain directly to the client what they should practise. The stress test session lasts about two hours - we measure, interpret together and start training immediately. The clients also get an exercise to take home with them straight away.
Question: How many sessions are necessary on average until an improvement is seen?
Answer: This varies greatly. Some experience initial progress after just 5-7 sessions. For others it takes longer, especially if dysfunctional patterns have been anchored for years. But if someone is open and committed, you can achieve clearly noticeable changes in about 10 hours.
Question: Why do you think biofeedback is particularly effective for migraines?
Answer: Many migraine sufferers are very active people who can hardly relax. The attack often occurs precisely when they are relaxing - a paradoxical connection that many people do not realise. Biofeedback makes this connection measurable and therefore understandable. It makes a difference whether I talk about cold hands or whether someone sees for themselves that their hand temperature hardly changes even after 10 minutes. It does something to people. When they recognise this connection - between cold hands and migraines, for example - they become more willing to practice. With the first improvement, motivation usually increases further. Biofeedback strengthens self-efficacy - and that is a decisive factor. No other method makes progress so immediately visible. And: Biofeedback can be combined very well with other therapeutic methods - it is not an either-or, but a both-and.
0 Comments