Biofeedback
In biofeedback, body signals such as muscle tension, pulse or skin temperature are measured with sensors and shown on a screen. This lets you learn to influence them deliberately, for example to lower the tension in your neck and head muscles.
- therapists
- 2
- session length
- 45–60 min
Therascout does not diagnose. Have new, severe or persistent complaints checked by a doctor first. In an emergency: 144
Origin and approach
Biofeedback emerged from behavioural medicine in the 1960s. The idea: what you can see, you can practise. For tension-type headache, the European guideline lists EMG biofeedback as effective.
What a session is like
Length: 45–60 min- Sensors are attached to the skin, for example on the forehead, neck or a finger; this is painless.
- On the screen you see your values as a curve, sound or picture and practise changing them.
- Over time you use what you have learned in daily life without the device.
Biofeedback: what is it used for?
- Tension-type headache: according to the European guideline, EMG biofeedback is effective.
- Migraine, stress and tension; here biofeedback is often combined with relaxation techniques.
How well is the effect supported?
Complaints for which this method is commonly used, sorted by the state of research. The rating shows how well the effect is supported, not whether it will help you.
What do the dots mean?How to read the rating
- Established
- recommended in guidelines, well studied
- Partly supported
- effect shown in studies, with limitations
- Limited evidence
- few or weak studies
- Hardly studied
- used, but hardly or not studied
The rating covers the research, not the therapist.
- Partly supported
Headache
According to the European guideline, EMG biofeedback is effective. Relaxation techniques and behavioural therapy are probably effective too.
Therapists: Biofeedback
Costs and health insurance
- Basic insurance
- usually not.
- Supplementary insurance
- often 50–80% with EMR- or ASCA-recognised therapists, often up to an annual maximum.
- Your insurer
- Each profile shows which insurers recognise the therapist.
- Practice prices
- See prices in each practice profile.
Good to know
- It usually takes 6 to 12 sessions and regular practice at home.
- Have new or unusually severe headaches checked by a doctor first.
Training and recognition in Switzerland
Biofeedback is offered by psychologists, physiotherapists and complementary therapists with further training. Supplementary insurers often contribute if the therapist is recognised.