Biofeedback: What Is It?

Children and teens can experience physical symptoms like headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, and dizziness. These symptoms can cause significant distress and interfere with activities of daily life, and parents may notice their child seems tense, irritable, or overwhelmed as a result. In many of these cases, underlying physiological stress may be playing a larger role.

While stress is often viewed as an emotional problem, it affects the entire body. When a child’s nervous system is in “high alert,” it can trigger a range of physical responses, including rapid heart rate, muscle tension, or shallow breathing that can be uncomfortable or even painful. That’s where biofeedback comes in. Biofeedback is a mind-body intervention that helps children learn how to recognize their body’s stress signals and teaches them skills to calm the nervous system, reduce symptoms, and regain a sense of control.

What Is Biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a safe, painless technique in which children are taught to become more aware of and eventually gain control over their body’s physiological signals such as heart rate, breathing patterns, muscle tension, and skin temperature.

With practice, children learn how to shift these responses using strategies like diaphragmatic breathing, muscle relaxation, and mindfulness. The goal is to balance the nervous system, promote relaxation, and improve control over pain and physical symptoms. Think of it like a personal body-awareness coach: biofeedback provides a real-time look into what the body is doing and teaches children how to change their physiological responses.

What Is Biofeedback Used For?

Biofeedback has been found to be helpful for a variety of pediatric health conditions, including:

• Chronic pain (especially headaches, abdominal pain, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
• Anxiety and stress-related symptoms
• Sleep disturbances
• Gastrointestinal-related symptoms (e.g., IBS, constipation, functional GI disorders)
• Dysautonomia and other forms of autonomic nervous system dysregulation (e.g., POTS)

Why Does Biofeedback Help?

When children learn how their emotions and stress show up in their body, they are better able to change those responses. For example:

• Slowing the breath can help lower heart rate
• Relaxing muscles can relieve pain and increase overall relaxation
• Calming the nervous system can improve sleep and focus

Over time, this awareness supports self-regulation and gives children tools to manage symptoms more confidently.

What Happens During a Biofeedback Session?

Each session is tailored to the child’s needs. Here’s what to expect:

1. Sensors Are Applied: Small, painless sensors are placed on areas like the earlobes, fingers, forehead, shoulders, or back. These measure signals such as:

• Heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV)
• Breathing patterns
• Muscle tension (EMG)
• Skin temperature
• Skin conductance (sweating)

2. Real-Time Feedback: The sensors send information to a computer, which displays the signals using graphs, animations, or games. Children can see how their body responds (for example, how a deep breath can lower their heart rate).

3. Skill Practice: A trained psychologist or clinician guides the child through exercises like:

• Diaphragmatic breathing
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Mindfulness and guided imagery

4. Home Practice: Children are encouraged to continue practicing between sessions. These “homework” exercises help strengthen the new skills and make them more automatic over time.

How Long Does Treatment Last?

Every child is different, and the number of sessions depends on the goals and symptoms being addressed. However, most children see progress within 6-8 sessions when biofeedback is combined with regular home practice and guidance from a trained clinician.