At Mehad, we are committed to providing holistic support and innovative treatments to our patients. Today, we would like to highlight a transformative therapy that helps our amputee war wounded: mirror therapy.
What is mirror therapy?
Mirror therapy is a simple but powerful technique that helps amputees manage phantom limb pain and improve motor function. By using a mirror to reflect the intact limb, the brain is made to ‘see’ the missing limb, which can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.
How does it work?
- Positioning: the patient is seated with a mirror placed vertically between the arms or legs.
- Visualisation: the patient moves their intact limb while looking at their reflection in the mirror, giving the impression that the missing limb is moving.
- Mental engagement: this visual feedback can help the brain to reconnect, reducing pain and improving control of the residual limb.
Why is this important?
Mirror therapy considerably reduces the pain felt in a phantom limb. As well as reducing this pain, these exercises improve patients’ motor skills, preparing them more quickly to receive prostheses and thus promoting their independence. In addition, by improving mobility and reducing pain, mirror therapy increases patients’ quality of life, self-confidence and mental well-being, contributing to overall healing.
Mirror therapy represents a significant advance in the treatment of war amputees. At Mehad, we have seen first-hand the incredible benefits of mirror therapy. By continuing to innovate and provide personalised care, we hope to restore hope and independence to those who have sacrificed so much.
