What Is Biofeedback vs Neurofeedback?

Biofeedback and neurofeedback are both non-invasive therapies that help regulate body functions, but they target different systems. Biofeedback monitors general physiological responses like heart rate, muscle tension, and skin temperature to teach conscious control. Neurofeedback specifically targets brainwave activity through EEG monitoring to optimize brain function and regulation.

Understanding Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback is a therapeutic technique that provides real-time information about physiological processes typically outside conscious awareness. Using specialized sensors and monitoring equipment, patients learn to recognize and modify their body’s responses to stress, pain, or other conditions.

Common Types of Biofeedback

• Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Monitors heart rhythm patterns to improve cardiovascular health and stress response
• Electromyography (EMG): Measures muscle tension for treating chronic pain and rehabilitation
• Thermal Biofeedback: Tracks skin temperature changes related to blood flow and stress levels
• Respiratory Biofeedback: Monitors breathing patterns to address anxiety and panic disorders

What Makes Neurofeedback Different

Neurofeedback, also called EEG biofeedback, is a specialized form of biofeedback that exclusively monitors brainwave activity. This therapy uses electroencephalography (EEG) to provide real-time feedback about brain function, allowing the nervous system to self-regulate more effectively.

How Neurofeedback Works

During neurofeedback sessions, sensors placed on the scalp detect electrical activity from the brain. This information is processed by sophisticated software that provides feedback through visual or auditory signals. The brain naturally learns to optimize its patterns based on this feedback.

LENS Neurofeedback: A Passive Approach

Low Energy Neurofeedback System (LENS) represents an advanced form of neurofeedback that requires no conscious effort from patients. Unlike traditional neurofeedback where patients actively try to change their brainwaves, LENS delivers tiny electromagnetic signals back to the brain, encouraging natural optimization.

Key Differences Between Biofeedback and Neurofeedback

Target Systems

• Biofeedback: Focuses on peripheral nervous system functions like heart rate, muscle tension, and breathing
• Neurofeedback: Directly targets central nervous system activity and brainwave patterns

Treatment Applications

• Biofeedback works well for: Chronic pain, hypertension, headaches, digestive issues, and stress-related conditions
• Neurofeedback excels with: ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction recovery, and sleep disorders

Patient Involvement

• Traditional Biofeedback: Requires active participation and conscious effort to modify responses
• LENS Neurofeedback: Works passively, allowing patients to relax during treatment

Choosing the Right Therapy

The choice between biofeedback and neurofeedback depends on your specific symptoms and treatment goals. At MyNeuroBalance LA, we often see patients who benefit from understanding these distinctions to make informed decisions about their care.

Biofeedback may be more appropriate if you’re dealing with physical symptoms like chronic pain, high blood pressure, or digestive issues. Neurofeedback, particularly LENS therapy, tends to be more effective for mood disorders, attention problems, trauma recovery, and sleep disturbances.

The Multi-Modal Approach

Many patients benefit from combining both approaches. For example, someone with anxiety might use neurofeedback to address underlying brain dysregulation while incorporating HRV biofeedback to manage immediate stress responses.

What to Expect During Treatment

Both therapies are non-invasive and generally well-tolerated. Biofeedback sessions typically involve more active learning and practice, while LENS neurofeedback sessions are remarkably passive. Patients often report feeling relaxed during LENS treatments, with some even falling asleep.

Ready to explore which approach might work best for your needs? Schedule a free consultation to discuss your symptoms and treatment goals with our certified practitioners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is neurofeedback just a type of biofeedback?

Yes, neurofeedback is technically a specialized form of biofeedback that focuses exclusively on brainwave activity. However, the term biofeedback is often used to refer to non-brain-based feedback therapies, making the distinction clinically important.

Which therapy works faster for anxiety?

LENS neurofeedback often produces noticeable results for anxiety within the first few sessions, while traditional biofeedback may require more practice time to master the techniques. However, individual responses vary significantly.

Can I do both biofeedback and neurofeedback together?

Absolutely. Many patients benefit from combining approaches. For instance, you might use LENS neurofeedback to address underlying brain dysregulation while learning HRV biofeedback techniques for managing stress in real-time.

Do insurance companies cover these therapies differently?

Coverage varies by provider and plan. Some insurance companies cover biofeedback more readily for certain medical conditions, while neurofeedback coverage is becoming more common for ADHD and other neurological conditions.

How do I know which therapy is right for me?

A thorough consultation with a qualified practitioner is essential. They can assess your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals to recommend the most appropriate approach or combination of therapies.