OBJECTIVE
To train patients participating in The Pain Center treatment program self-regulation skills to reduce physical tension and positively modify their pain/stress experience, and influence their expressio of well behaviors.
PROCEDURE
Patients are initially evaluated for potential use of thermal ( i.e. peripheral skin temperature) electromyographic ( i.e. EMG muscle tension), or both biofeedback modalities.
Based on the initial evaluation, appropriateness for biofeedback treatment is evaluated and individuals who may benefit from biofeedback are identified. These patients participate in individual treatment sessions, usually four sessions per week, for the three week program. Treatment sessions are designed individually for each patient and may employ the full range of available relaxation and stress management techniques. Notes for each session are recorded on the ” Biofeedback Session” form.
EVALUATION
At the beginning and conclusion of each treatment session, patients discuss their subjective experiences plus rate their pain and stress. The biofeedback technician and supervising health psychologist use these aforementioned measures, along with physiological measures of change to evaluate the patient’s therapeutic progress and modify the treatment regiment as needed.
**( See seperate entry entitled Biofeedback Session for a look at the Biofeedback Session form)**
