Cochrane review evaluates the evidence for treating epilepsy by using psychological methods to reduce seizure frequency and improve quality of life.
Here’s what was found with respect to seizure frequency. Continue reading Psychological methods to treat epilepsy
 So, here’s a list of studies on CAM and stroke that were published in the past year. Continue reading May is stroke month
A review of the literature by researchers from the University of Verona in Italy reveals that in the right patient, “For both incontinence and dyssynergic defecation, the benefits of biofeedback last at least 12 months.”
Dyssynergic defecation is one of the most common forms of functional constipation both in children and adults. Continue reading Biofeedback and gastrointestinal illness
In this study, researchers from the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, in Brazil combined electromyographic biofeedback with occupational therapy and functional electrical stimulation in hemiplegic patients. Continue reading Biofeedback complements stroke patients’ rehabilitation
It’s mostly in your head. Continue reading Benefits of biofeedback in older women with urge urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence can lead to lower self-esteem and even kidney damage.
Researchers from Hopital Jeanne de Flandre in Lille, France evaluated the effect of a biofeedback-training program in children with a long history of voiding disorders. Continue reading Biofeedback in children with voiding disorders
 One-third of these patients use CAM.
Are they dissatisfied with mainstream treatments? Continue reading CAM use in functional bowel disorder
Researchers from Belgium and Norway reviewed the evidence for non-pharmacological management of orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing) during the early rehabilitation of people with spinal cord injury.
Here’s what they found. Continue reading Treating orthostatic hypotension after spinal injury
 Here are some CAM highlights for migraine and fibromyalgia from the American Academy of Pain Management (AAPM) 19th Annual Clinical Meeting. Continue reading Recommended CAM for chronic pain
In this study, conventional physiotherapy was compared to physiotherapy with the addition of postural biofeedback. Continue reading Biofeedback for low back pain
The National Center for CAM (NCCAM) has summarized the state of the science. Continue reading The NCCAM view of CAM for fibromyalgia
Research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that psychosocial factors, such as cynical distrust, chronic stress, and depression are associated with higher blood levels of C-reactive protein (associated with acute inflammatory reactions), interleukin-6 (stimulates an immune response to tissue damage), and fibrinogen (causes blood to clot).
All are related to an increased risk of heart disease.
What can we do about this?
Continue reading Stress, heart disease, and what to do about it
You won’t be surprised to learn that pain of longer duration and greater impairment make children more willing to use CAM.
But which CAM options do they choose? Continue reading CAM preferences among children with chronic pain
Both methods are effective in patients with urinary stress incontinence, according to this study by researchers at Gaziosmanpasa University in Tokat, Turkey. Continue reading Interferential current vs biofeedback for stress incontinence
Let’s start by stating that “habit” cough is rare. Don’t jump to the conclusion that a cough lasting a month or so is “just” habit cough. See your doctor.
Because it’s rare there are no large clinical studies of treatment options. Here’s a case report where biofeedback and cognitive coping was effective.
Not much evidence is available. But here’s what 2 researchers from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania discovered during their review of 20 published studies. Continue reading Mind-body interventions for chronic pain in older adults
Despite evidence from a few studies, electromyographic biofeedback (EMG-BFB) plus standard physiotherapy does not produce improvements compared to physiotherapy alone, according to this Cochrane Review. Continue reading Assessing the value of biofeedback following stroke
Professor Michel Tournaire and Dr. Anne Theau-Yonneau have reviewed the literature.
Few publications report a statistically significant reduction in labor pain? Here’s what we know about pain relief and other outcomes. I’ll summarize the more familiar options. Continue reading The value of CAM for pain relief during labor
A review published in American Family Physician reveals that mind-body therapies, alone or in combination, significantly reduce symptoms of migraine, tension, and mixed-type headaches.
Here’s the bottom line. Continue reading Evidence supports mind-body therapies for headache
Dr. Brooks Cash from the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland has published a detailed review on Medscape.
There are some surprising conclusions regarding common treatments, including fluids, dietary fiber, physical activity, education, enema, and biofeedback. Continue reading CAM recommendations to treat chronic constipation