Biofeedback is a complementary and alternative therapy for some digestive system disorders. In this therapy, patients are trained to use their mind to control body functions that are typically involuntary (e.g., muscle tension, heart rate). Biofeedback is used to help patients regain control of their bowel movements if they have disorders such as fecal incontinence or constipation. It can also be used to help patients learn to control stress that contributes to ulcers or irritable bowel syndrome.

Little is understood about how biofeedback works. Both patients and physicians are often at a loss to explain the mechanics of the therapy. Though biofeedback appears to be an effective treatment for some individuals, other patients are not successful at mastering the techniques involved.

There are several different types of biofeedback, including bowel training, electromyography, neurofeedback, thermal biofeedback, galvanic skin response training and the forced oscillation method. Bowel training is the method most often used to treat digestive disorders. Before beginning biofeedback therapy, patients should check to make sure the therapist is certified by the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA).

Biofeedback training can occur in a variety of facilities (e.g., physical therapy clinics, medical centers, hospitals) and typically lasts for 30 to 60 minutes. Before biofeedback training, sensors are placed on the patient’s body. The patient is given auditory or visual cues to indicate body functions. The patient then learns to associate these functions with symptoms, and to control the functions to ease the symptoms. Patients who are trying to improve control of their bowels through bowel training will have a pressure-sensitive probe inserted into their anus to measure the muscle strength and activity of the anal sphincter. They then will use biofeedback to practice strengthening these muscles. Eventually, the patient learns to control body functions without help from a therapist.