Mirror therapy is a primary tool of this
therapy is a mirror from which the patient receives visual feedback in order to
train the brain to configure a new “body map.” What is a body map you might
ask, this so-called map is simply the hard-wired mental representation that
allows a person to be aware of where each component of the body is at all
times, even in complete darkness. The patient places the affected limb in the
mirror box, which keeps the injured part out of view. An alternative setup is
to have the patient sit at a right angle before a mirror so that only one side
of the body is reflected back. The point is to move both limbs in a coordinated
manner so that they mimic the movement of the other.
Studies show that the
majority of patients typically experience sensations in the phantom limb very
quickly after starting this exercise. It’s interesting how your mind can play
tricks on you. Though you think you know what is real and what is not, the
question is, do you really?
It is so interesting to see that the mirror therapy actually works. They know that their foot is amputated but still see it has moving. It crazy to me. And to have this having more affect than medication for pain is even more amazing. The mind can do crazy thinks. I do know of becoming physically sick just by constantly thinking that you are sick. This seems to be kind of the same thing. Seeing that the foot or arm is there and just believing that its moving makes it feel like their limb is there like before.
ReplyDeleteRubi, very interesting blog. I think that mirror therapy is a huge break through in modern science. Its a more natural, inexpensive, hands-on treatment. Who knows the harm pain medication, such as, pain killers can bring. Also, thought it was funny how you mention "its funny how the brain plays trick on us" . Well, with the mirror therapy is the human playing tricks on the brain. Looks like we got a couple of tricks up our sleeves too!
ReplyDeletePhantom limb is the most weirdest thing your body can do. It sounds a bit farfetched but its incredible this can happen. I wonder why the nerves still pick up the sensation of the limb. Why doesn't is register is as gone for good? Is this kinda like a mind over matter situation? It sure sounds like it:)
ReplyDeleteyou i have an uncle who has an amputated leg its his right leg they cut right below the knee. they had to cut it because when he was younger he had an accident at work and his foot broke in like 5o pieces or more so his foot was un-fixable he would tell me that when they cut it he could still feel his foot and that he could wiggle his toes but in reality he didn't have anything there and yes it is very painful and not just physically but mentally too.
ReplyDeleteIt is so interesting how the mirror therapy works and how its so inexpensive. The reasoning of how the mirror works and how mankind can manipulate the brain that of a missing body part. So is the mirror therapy just to control pain or does it prepare someone with a missing limb for a prosthetic? I still say that a prosthetic is important in the sense of having something that is mobile for someone without a limb but if pain continues with the prosthetic then I say go with therapy and whatever works instead of living with pain.
ReplyDelete