Biofeedback, Headache & Stress Management

Biofeedback is a specialty that involves understanding and modifying the relationship between behavior and physiological functions. Using biofeedback, clients learn to identify the ways their bodies are physically responding to stress — and what they can do to reduce those responses and their associated symptoms.

At PPA, biofeedback is used alongside Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to provide a comprehensive, research-backed approach to managing the physical and psychological components of stress and pain.

Headaches — particularly migraine headaches — can be debilitating, significantly interfering with daily life and functioning. While medications are often effective, non-medication approaches are also well-supported by research and are frequently used alongside medication for the best outcomes.

Our therapists help educate clients about headaches, effective treatments, and up-to-date research-based techniques to manage and prevent them. Because stress is the most common headache trigger, learning to manage one’s stress response is a key intervention for headache prevention. Research studies consistently show that biofeedback and CBT techniques result in a significant reduction in migraine frequency and severity.

In addition to headache management, biofeedback and stress management techniques are effective for a range of other concerns. Our therapists employ biofeedback and CBT to help clients change stress-inducing thought patterns, develop relaxation skills, and build lasting resilience.