Mirror therapy

Mirror therapy is a therapeutic method that uses a mirror to create a reflective illusion of an affected limb in order to trick the brain into thinking movement has occurred without pain. This therapy is often used for the treatment of phantom limb pain or to assist in the motor recovery of individuals who have had a stroke or some form of nerve damage.

History

Mirror therapy was first described by V.S. Ramachandran and Eric Altschuler in 1999 as a method for alleviating phantom limb pain in amputees. The therapy was later expanded to include treatment for motor dysfunction in stroke patients.

Method

In mirror therapy, a mirror is placed in a position that reflects the non-affected limb of the patient. The patient then moves this limb, while visually focusing on the reflected image, creating the illusion that both limbs are moving symmetrically. This is thought to stimulate the part of the brain responsible for motor control and reduce pain or improve motor function.

Applications

Mirror therapy has been used in a variety of medical contexts, including:

• Phantom limb pain: Mirror therapy can help to alleviate the pain experienced by amputees in a limb that is no longer present.
• Stroke recovery: Stroke patients can use mirror therapy to improve motor function and reduce spasticity in affected limbs.
• Nerve damage: Patients with nerve damage can use mirror therapy to improve motor function and reduce pain.

Effectiveness

The effectiveness of mirror therapy varies depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some studies have shown positive results, particularly in the treatment of phantom limb pain and stroke recovery, while others have shown mixed or inconclusive results.

See also

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Neurorehabilitation

References

Mirror therapy Resources
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