Does Mirror Therapy Reduce Phantom Limb Pain?

 Does Mirror Therapy Reduce Phantom Limb Pain?

Mirror Therapy is one of the only interventions utilized in a clinic that tricks the brain into perceiving movement with no pain. This therapy helps the amputation population greatly, as many suffer from Phantom Limb Pain. Most amputations have resulted from either horrific accident, active employment in the military, or working in dangerous conditions such as coal mining.

 

What is Phantom Limb Pain?

Phantom Limb Pain is a prevalent complaint among the amputee population. It’s the sensation of pain felt within a missing limb. This pain can persist for just a few minutes, up to days or even for weeks and longer. The sensation occurs as the brain is trying to adjust and get used to the loss of the extremity. Although the sensation is felt where your limb is no longer, it’s still a very real and painful reality for many amputees.

 

How does Mirror Therapy Work?

Mirror Therapy is used by placing a mirror in between the amputated limb and the intact limb. The patient is instructed to go through range of motion exercises with their intact limb. As the subject goes through these movements, they are told to focus on their limb moving in the mirror. This tricks their brain into thinking that their amputated limb is doing the exercises without pain. Therefore, altering their perception and helping to reduce their Phantom Limb Pain.  

What Have we Learned About Mirror Therapy?

Mirror Therapy was found to be an effective treatment used to reduce Phantom Limb Pain. However, when compared, other modalities were found to be similarly effective. For instance, when Mirror Therapy and Phantom Exercises were analyzed, they were found to have no significant difference in reducing pain. Furthermore, when Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Mirror Therapy were compared, they were also shown to be just as effective as one another. An interesting finding that should be studied more is the idea that the results of combining modalities can also be a beneficial treatment option. It was seen in one study that using Tactile Therapy and Mirror Therapy together were more effective than either intervention was alone at reducing Phantom Limb Pain.

 

Why Does this Matter?

• Allowing this research to drive clinical decisions can lead to better success through making informed decisions based on presented evidence.
• Knowing that Mirror Therapy, along with other modalities, is seen to reduce pain allows clinicians to better cater to their patients’ needs and accessibility.
• If you, or anyone you know has lost a limb and is experiencing Phantom Limb Pain, Mirror Therapy can be a helpful treatment option to discuss with your clinician.

 

Additional Resources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12092-phantom-limb-pain

Mirror Therapy | Treatments | Patients & Families | UW Health

 

About the Author:

Athena Roncarati is a senior at Westfield State University and will be graduating in May of 2025 with a Movement Science degree and concentration in Sports Medicine. After graduation, Athena plans on completing her Masters in Prosthetics and Orthotics.

She can be reached at athenaroncarati@gmail.com

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