Bringing It All Together: Biofeedback Tips for Success in the Journey of Healing Chronic Pain

Diane Poladian PT DPT OCS 03 November 2025

In my experience, introducing a variety of relaxation techniques to facilitate a calm body is most beneficial. Each technique offers something unique.

I appreciate receiving feedback from the individual, as this allows them to have some control over their healing journey. Some kids do better with techniques that are not as focused on the body, such as Open Focus, and some kids just prefer to play with the biofeedback instrumentation. If they are completely averse to using relaxation techniques, using the biofeedback equipment alone can be beneficial in teaching a calm body. By experimenting with the instrumentation, they will learn how to control the readings and achieve relaxation. Once they can manipulate the readings, encourage their awareness of the pleasant sensations in their bodies so that they can accomplish those sensations when not using the biofeedback instrumentation.

I have found that doing the techniques in the order below is the most helpful to most individuals:

1. Progressive Relaxation Technique

Starting with the Progressive Relaxation Technique helps individuals understand the difference between a tense and a relaxed muscle. Many individuals are unaware that they are carrying muscle tension and struggle to release it. By contracting the muscle first, the individual can feel the muscle relax as it lets go. If the individual experiences pain in a specific region and anticipates pain with tensing the muscles, I have them tense the muscles in the opposite limb.

2. Body Scanning Technique

Body Scanning Technique is then introduced as the child has learned how to release muscle tension and can now just release it. Body scanning helps identify tension and let it go, which is more practical in social situations. For example, if you are with friends and notice tension in your forehead, you can simply allow the tension to dissipate, as raising your eyebrows may draw unwanted attention.

3. Autogenic Technique

Autogenic Technique then helps the individual be more aware of hand and foot temperature and heart rate. It introduces a calm mind, along with reinforcement of muscle relaxation. If the child has difficulty warming their hands or feet, a heating pad can be placed on the hands or feet—the sensation of warmth can be felt as the blood flow improves. Once this is learned, it is often easier for them to replicate the sensation.

4. Open Focus Technique

Open Focus technique then allows the child to increase their awareness of focus, which further enhances the relaxation response in life settings, facilitates creativity, and can improve sports performance. I have found that autistic youth often respond best to the Open Focus Technique.

5. Visualization Techniques

Visualization techniques can be added to any of the above techniques or used independently. Visualization techniques can be used with an emphasis on body sensations (such as warm sunshine on the hands to warm hands). The technique can also enhance functional abilities (such as walking on the beach) and sports activities, or help an individual reduce anxiety about a future event (such as giving a speech in the classroom or taking a test).

My Recommendation: Try Each Technique

I always recommend that the child try each technique, and if they don’t like a particular one, I introduce another. I encourage them to practice each technique several times, but if they really dislike a technique, I just move on to the next one. After they have learned the techniques, they can always go back to one that they didn’t like and experiment again to see if they like it any better. For example, Open Focus was initially my least favorite, but it has now become my favorite.

Benefits of Daily Practice of the Relaxation Techniques

Most kids benefit from daily practice of the relaxation techniques, along with use of biofeedback. With practice, they will eventually no longer need the biofeedback units. It is best to practice for at least 10 to 15 minutes per day in a quiet area—either in their bedroom or outside—but they should be in a place where they feel safe, comfortable, and uninterrupted.

I recommend practicing daily in the morning or afternoon to allow for the integration of a calm body into daily activities. When ending the technique during the day, the child should slowly bring themselves back to the present moment, feeling relaxed and refreshed. As the child becomes more aware of their body, they are better able to maintain a calm body throughout the day.

Any of the relaxation techniques can be used to help the child fall asleep, but when they end the technique, I recommend that they tell themselves, “Allow yourself to sleep through the night and wake refreshed in the morning.” If the technique is only practiced before sleep, it may become less functional for use during the day. Therefore, I recommend continuing the practice during the day.

This is the final blog post of this series. If you missed the beginning parts of this series, you can read them below.