Does the mirror trick work for phantom pain?
The findings from this study showed that mirror therapy was effective for reducing phantom pain after 4 weeks of regular practice. Mirror therapy was also shown to be superior to placebo and mental visualization comparison groups. Mirror therapy works by essentially “tricking the brain” out of pain.
How does mirror therapy reduce phantom limb pain?
The mirror image of the normal body part helps reorganize and integrate the mismatch between proprioception and visual feedback of the removed body. Thus, enhancing the treatment effect for phantom limb pain.
How do you use the mirror in phantom pain?
A long mirror is placed between the patient’s legs and set to face the intact limb. As the patient moves and watches the intact limb in the mirror’s reflection, the brain is “tricked” into seeing the missing limb. The brain “sees” the phantom limb moving in the mirror and quiets busy activity or bad memories.
What is the mirror box technique?
It involves placing the affected limb behind a mirror. The mirror is positioned so the reflection of the opposing limb appears in place of the hidden limb. Clinicians can create this illusion with a mirror box.
When should you stop using mirror therapy?
When to stop Mirror Therapy? Side effects are not common. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms discontinue the exercises and speak to your therapist: Increase in phantom limb pain, phantom sensations, feelings of grief or confusion, dizziness, sweating, or sensory changes.
How long should you do mirror therapy?
A typical mirror therapy session should last about 30 minutes, but patients can split this time up into three 10-minute or two 15-minute sessions, if preferred.
What type of mirror is used in mirror therapy?
Training Tips. ‘Mirror boxes’ are relatively easy to build and large, custom mirrors may be required for pain states in the lower limbs and shoulders. NOI recommends using sturdy Perspex mirrors to avoid any glass injuries. Start with exercises involving no or little movement – just watch your unaffected hand.
How does mirror therapy work?
Mirror therapy uses a mirror to create the illusion that the arm or leg affected by the stroke is moving. After a stroke, mirror therapy can improve movement in affected upper or lower limbs and activities of daily living and appears useful as a supplement to other stroke rehabilitation activities.
How long does mirror therapy take to work?
Mirror therapy stroke exercises should be performed for up to six weeks before the therapist can determine the efficacy of treatment.
What happens in the brain during mirror therapy?
Understanding Mirror Therapy for Stroke Recovery
It works by “tricking” the brain into thinking that you’re moving your affected side, even though it is a reflection. This triggers mirror neurons in the brain to fire, which helps improve motor recovery after stroke.
How long does it take for mirror therapy to work?
In some cases, mirror therapy was combined with other strategies such as electrical stimulation. Mirror therapy was carried out 3-7 times a week for 2-8 weeks, and for 15-60 minutes at a time. This review found that mirror therapy can be safe and effective.
What happens in mirror therapy?
It is thought that the mirror works by ‘tricking’ the brain to believe that the painful limb is now ‘normal’, through looking at the reflection of the unaffected limb. This helps, over time, to correct the messages to the brain and reduces pain which in turn may assist exercise.
How often should you do mirror therapy?
Do Mirror Therapy three to five times per day. Initially, you may only be able to observe the image of the mirrored hand and perhaps make small movements. With time, try to make larger and smoother movements with both arms.
Is mirroring therapy easy?
The evidence for clinical efficacy of mirror therapy is encouraging, but not yet definitive. Nevertheless, mirror therapy is inexpensive, safe and easy for the patient to self-administer.
How long does mirror therapy last?
Is mirror therapy easy or difficult?
Mirror therapy is actually quite easy to do at home and many people find it a fun way of having additional therapy for their hand and arm.