A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine 2007 demonstrates the benefit of mirror therapy in the treatment of phantom limb pain. Mirror therapy simply involves moving the intact limb on the opposite side of the body, and viewing the reflection of the limb in the mirror. This gives the perception of moving the amputated limb. In the study, 100% of the subjects utilizing mirror therapy had a decrease in their pain.
We utilize mirror therapy in our practice in the treatment of patients with phantom limb pain, complex regional pain syndrome (RSD), and post strokes. The reason it is effective is due to the fact that it creates the cortical perception of moving the injured or amputated limb. The movement stimulation of the limb serves to activate areas of the brain that will inhibit pain. With regular practice this will create “plasticity” in these cortical neurons. Plasticity is an increased level of efficiency. If you know anyone with these aforementioned conditions please share this information will them as it can be life changing. If you would like more information about of approach to patient care please visit www.functionalneuro.com
Yours in health,
Drs. Chris & Lauren Caffery
Did you know that you can buy a folding mirror box from www.reflexpainmanagement.com
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike. Have not seen this before. Great resource for home therapy.
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