The use of electromyographic biofeedback in treating a client with tension headaches

EMG biofeedback was used during a 4-week treatment program to decrease upper trapezius activity related to tension headaches. The headaches were believed to be caused by general tension and anxiety and affected the patient's ability to adequately attend to activities of daily living, including child care, homemaking, and vocational activities. The program combined deep-breathing exercises, progressive muscular relaxation exercises, resisted shoulder elevation exercises, and EMG monitoring during upper extremity tasks involving shoulder flexion. An important adjunct to clinic sessions was a home exercise program to be completed 2 to 3 times per day. In this case, the EMG biofeedback program was successful in assisting the patient to eliminate tension headaches for at least an 8-week period. At the same time, the patient reported an increased ability to attend to activities of daily living, stating that she was able to "do more around the house" and had not missed a day at work in 2 months.