Why Biofeedback Therapy Fails in Some Patients? Know the Reasons
Biofeedback therapy is a safe and non-surgical treatment used for conditions like chronic constipation, pelvic floor dysfunction, and faecal incontinence. Many patients experience excellent improvement with this therapy. However, some patients do not get the expected results. According to Dr Rupali Jankar, biofeedback therapy is highly effective when done correctly and consistently. But certain factors can reduce its success. This blog explains why biofeedback therapy fails in some patients and how these problems can be corrected.
What is Biofeedback Therapy?
Biofeedback therapy is a specialised treatment that trains patients to control their pelvic floor muscles properly. Many people with chronic constipation or incontinence have difficulty coordinating these muscles.
During therapy:
- Sensors are placed to measure muscle activity
- Patients see real-time feedback on a screen
- They learn to relax or contract muscles correctly
It is especially useful in conditions like:
- Dyssynergic defecation
- Chronic constipation
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Faecal incontinence
When done properly, success rates are high. But results depend on multiple factors.
7 Reasons Why Biofeedback Therapy May Fail?
1. Incorrect Diagnosis:
Biofeedback works best when the problem is related to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. If constipation is caused by other issues like slow bowel movement (slow transit constipation) or structural problems, biofeedback alone may not help.
Proper evaluation before starting therapy is very important. Tests like anorectal manometry or colon transit study may be required. Without correct diagnosis, therapy may not give results.
2. Poor Patient Compliance:
Biofeedback therapy requires multiple sessions. It also requires home exercises.
Some patients:
- Skip sessions
- Do not practice exercises regularly
- Stop therapy midway
Consistency is key. Without regular practice, muscles do not learn correct coordination. Dr Rupali Jankar emphasizes that patient participation plays a major role in success.
3. Severe Long-Standing Constipation:
Patients who have suffered from constipation for many years may have severe muscle dysfunction. In such cases, improvement may take longer.
Expecting quick results may lead to disappointment. Patience and continued therapy are important. Sometimes additional treatments like dietary modification and medication are required along with biofeedback.
4. Psychological Factors:
Stress, anxiety, and depression can affect bowel function. The brain and gut are closely connected. If psychological stress is not addressed, therapy outcomes may be limited. In some cases, counselling or stress management techniques improve overall results.
5. Inadequate Therapy Technique:
Biofeedback therapy should be done under proper supervision with advanced equipment. Incorrect technique or poor-quality training can reduce effectiveness. Choosing an experienced specialist is important for proper muscle training and guidance.
6. Uncontrolled Medical Conditions:
Certain health conditions can interfere with therapy success:
- Diabetes
- Neurological disorders
- Severe pelvic nerve damage
If underlying conditions are not controlled, improvement may be limited. Comprehensive evaluation ensures better outcomes.
7. Unrealistic Expectations:
Biofeedback is not an instant cure. It requires time and effort.
Some patients expect complete recovery within one or two sessions. This is not realistic. Improvement usually happens gradually over weeks. Understanding the treatment process improves satisfaction.
How to Improve Success of Biofeedback Therapy?
If therapy is not giving expected results, the following steps may help:
- Re-evaluate the diagnosis
- Complete all recommended sessions
- Practice home exercises daily
- Improve fibre intake and hydration
- Manage stress levels
- Follow up regularly with the specialist
According to Dr Rupali Jankar, combining lifestyle changes with biofeedback significantly increases success rate.
When Should You Consult a Specialist?
You should seek expert advice if you experience:
- Chronic constipation not improving with medicines
- Straining during bowel movement
- Incomplete evacuation feeling
- Faecal incontinence
- Pelvic floor weakness
Early treatment prevents complications and improves quality of life.
For Better Understanding Watch Video...
Final Conclusion:
Biofeedback therapy is a highly effective treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction and constipation when done correctly. However, it may fail in some patients due to incorrect diagnosis, poor compliance, severe muscle dysfunction, or unmanaged stress. The key to success lies in proper evaluation, patient commitment, and expert guidance. If you are not getting results from biofeedback therapy, consult Dr Rupali Jankar for detailed assessment and personalised treatment planning.
With the right approach, most patients can achieve significant improvement and better bowel control.