Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
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
Telepain Management of Phantom Limb Pain Using Mirror Therapy
Ariana Gover-Chamlou1,2, Jack W Tsao3,4
11 Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland.
Background:
In response to rising healthcare costs and the social and economic burden of outpatient rehabilitation services, telepain management has emerged as an exciting alternative method of clinical care. Patients with limb amputations who experience phantom limb pain (PLP) are typically treated unsuccessfully using medications, injections, or additional surgeries. Mirror therapy is a noninvasive, cost-effective alternative to current treatment options for PLP.
Patients And Methods:
We report 2 patients who self-administered mirror therapy at home after receiving detailed instructions from a physician by e-mail.
Results:
The intervention resulted in complete resolution of PLP. The first patient experienced a reduction in the severity and frequency of PLP episodes after 4 weeks of treatment. Pain completely resolved after an additional 4 weeks of treatment, which was restarted 4 months after the initial course of therapy. The second patient experienced complete eradication of pain after 4 weeks of treatment.
Conclusions:
PLP relief can be obtained using home-based mirror therapy with initiation, feedback, and follow-up with healthcare professionals conducted entirely through telemedicine.
