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.
Why is mirror therapy shown effective?
Conclusions: Most of the evidence for mirror therapy is from studies with weak methodological quality. The present review showed a trend that mirror therapy is effective in
upper limb treatment of stroke patients
and patients with CRPS, whereas the effectiveness in other patient groups has yet to be determined.
How does mirror therapy work?
Mirror therapy (MT) is a rehabilitation therapy in which
a mirror is placed between the arms or legs so that the image of a moving non-affected limb gives the illusion of normal movement in the affected limb
. By this setup, different brain regions for movement, sensation, and pain are stimulated.
How long do you do mirror therapy for?
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.
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 or difficult?
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 trick the brain?
Mirror therapy does this by tricking the brain:
it gives the illusion that the missing limb is moving, as the person looks at the real, remaining limb in a mirror
. This way, the brain ignores the fact that it receives no signal of movement from the amputated limb itself.
Why does mirror box relieve pain?
Mirror therapy works by
essentially “tricking the brain” out of pain
. Because pain signals are processed in the brain, we can change the brain “input” and get different “output” in terms of pain. When mirror therapy is practiced, the brain receives information that both limbs are intact and functional.
Does phantom pain ever go away?
Phantom limb pain often improves over time.
Eventually, it may go away completely
. Chronic pain can affect your ability to enjoy life, but a combination of medications and other therapies can ease the pain.
Who uses mirror therapy?
Recently, mirror therapy has used for not only
patients with phantom limb pain
, but also for patients with complex regional pain syndrome and strokes [13,14].
How does mirror therapy help with pain?
Mirror therapy uses
a mirror to create a reflective image or illusion of the painful limb
. The image retrains the brain to think that the limb is normal and now they can move it. It is important to make sure the image in the mirror looks exactly like the painful limb, which is hidden behind the mirror.
How do I upgrade my mirror therapy?
If you are interested in ways to upgrade your mirror therapy, check out
the Neofect smart rehabilitation devices
by visiting Neofect Website or calling (888) 623-8984.
Does talking in the mirror help?
“Generating and reading aloud positive self-statements, instead of neutral ones, has been shown to
reduce self-deprecatory thoughts
and increase self-esteem in a group of low self-esteem subjects” Mirror Talk is positively remarking about yourself while in front of a mirror.
What is mirror theory?
In theoretical linguistics, mirror theory refers
to a particular approach to the architecture of the language organ developed by Michael Brody
, who claims his theory to be purely representational (unlike most of the current generative theories that are either derivational or combining derivation and representation).
Do occupational therapists use mirror therapy?
Mirror Therapy for
Stroke Rehabilitation
: A Viable Treatment Option. If you are an occupational therapist who works in stroke rehabilitation (no matter the setting), you know that you must constantly update your skills and educate yourself on the latest treatment techniques.
Are mirror neurons?
Mirror neurons represent a
distinctive class of neurons
that discharge both when an individual executes a motor act and when he observes another individual performing the same or a similar motor act. These neurons were first discovered in monkey's brain.
