Annals of physical and rehabilitation medicine
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Ann Phys Rehabil Med · Sep 2016
ReviewThe effects of mirror therapy on pain and motor control of phantom limb in amputees: A systematic review.
Phantom limb pain (PLP) is a major problem after limb amputation. Mirror therapy (MT) is a non-pharmacological treatment using representations of movement, the efficacy of which in reducing PLP remains to be clarified. Here, we present the first systematic review on MT efficacy in PLP and phantom limb movement (PLM) in amputees (lower or upper limb). ⋯ We cannot recommend MT as a first intention treatment in PLP. The level of evidence is insufficient. Further research is needed to assess the effect of MT on pain, prosthesis use, and body representation, and to standardize protocols.