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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
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Real-time Video Projection in an MRI for Characterization of Neural Correlates Associated with Mirror Therapy for Phantom Limb Pain
Published on: April 20, 2019
[Mirror therapy for phantom limb pain--a systematic review].
Stefan Seidel1, Gregor Kasprian, Thomas Sycha
1Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Austria. stefan.seidel@meduniwien.ac.at
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift
|August 7, 2009
Summary
Mirror therapy shows limited evidence for treating phantom limb pain. More high-quality studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness for pain relief.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a common post-amputation complication.
- Current treatment options for PLP have varying efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the evidence for mirror therapy as a treatment for phantom limb pain.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of Medline and The Cochrane Library was conducted.
- Included studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
- Study quality was assessed using the JADAD scale.
Main Results:
- Three small RCTs were identified, all lacking high methodological quality.
- One study reported a significant reduction in phantom pain after four weeks of mirror therapy.
- Two studies found no significant difference in pain reduction between mirror therapy and control groups.
- Evidence for mirror therapy in PLP is currently circumstantial.
Conclusions:
- High-quality, sufficiently powered RCTs are necessary to determine the analgesic effect of mirror therapy for phantom limb pain.
- Firm recommendations for mirror therapy in PLP cannot be made at this time.
