mirror box therapy » Testimonials

I was a little skeptical about mirror box therapy

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:56:54 +0000

Prior to beginning the FRP I was a little skeptical about mirror and mirror box therapy. I had also never tried it. During my physical therapy I did mirror therapy for 10 minutes 2/3 times a day.

I had researched this therapy prior to ever trying it, but it seemed almost too good to be true.

Since graduating from the Functional Restoration Program I do this at home. It is what helped me increased my entire range of motion.

Here’s how it works-

For lower extremity RSD

Place a full length mirror between your legs. If your right side is damaged then point the reflection of the mirror to your left leg. (If left is damaged, point the reflection to your right leg)

In the right leg example, your eyes (and even face) need to be watching the left side of the mirror)

You will see 2 images. One is really your left leg and the other is the reflection of your left leg in the mirror, but your mind will begin to think it is the right side. (Don’t look at the real right side at all)

Try to suspend any disbelief. This technique tricks the brain and it really does work.

Stare at the reflection in the mirror for 2 straight minutes.

You will see two legs/feet

Start raising your toes (your good side) and take your time, there is no rush.

Continue doing this for 10 minutes (remember you are moving your good side, not the bad side)

Eventually and rather quickly, the damaged side will begin to move on it’s own. You may not even have any control over it at all. (remember you are not consciously moving that foot or leg)

After 10 minutes.. stop. Try again the next day.

You may get some pain from this and that is because it does actually work. You will move muscles, bones, etc that you Haven’t used or tried to use because of the RSD pain.

Upper extremity

The same concept. There are mirror boxes actually sold for this.

Prior to beginning the FRP I was a little skeptical about mirror and mirror box therapy. I had also never tried it. During my physical therapy I did mirror therapy for 10 minutes 2/3 times a day.

I had researched this therapy prior to ever trying it, but it seemed almost too good to be true.

Since graduating from the Functional Restoration Program I do this at home. It is what helped me increased my entire range of motion.

Here’s how it works-

For lower extremity RSD

Place a full length mirror between your legs. If your right side is damaged then point the reflection of the mirror to your left leg. (If left is damaged, point the reflection to your right leg)

In the right leg example, your eyes (and even face) need to be watching the left side of the mirror)

Try to suspend any disbelief. This technique tricks the brain and it really does work.

Stare at the reflection in the mirror for 2 straight minutes.

You will see two legs/feet

Start raising your toes (your good side) and take your time, there is no rush.

Continue doing this for 10 minutes (remember you are moving your good side, not the bad side)

Eventually and rather quickly, the damaged side will begin to move on it’s own. You may not even have any control over it at all. (remember you are not consciously moving that foot or leg)

After 10 minutes.. stop. Try again the next day.

You may get some pain from this and that is because it does actually work. You will move muscles, bones, etc that you haven’t used or tried to use because of the RSD pain.

Upper extremity

The same concept. There are mirror boxes actually sold for this.

Read the full post at http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/reflex-sympathetic-dystrophy-discussions/general-support/698075-mirror-therapy-and-rsdcrps

Video testimonial mirror therapy works

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:41:54 +0000

Mark constantino testifies mirror therapy works. Mark was reluctant to try mirror box therapy, but now testifies to its effects. Mark story start about 3 1/2 min in, but watch the whole video it also demonstrates a new thinking of mirror therapy for double amputee with the help of the physiotherapist.

stroke patients regain use of limbs

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:27:32 +0000

De Antoniis, 72, said after just five sessions he is getting some feeling back for the first time in years.

Mirror therapy helps stroke patients regain use of limbs read more…

Mirror therapy helps stroke patients regain use of limbs Live …
New mirror therapy is helping stroke patients return feeling and movement to paralyzed limps..
www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=13989396

Mirror Box Therapy worked for me

Wed, 26 May 2010 11:12:38 +0000

This looks like a great book written by a CRPS sufferer I am sure it will make excellent reading.

“This may not work for everyone* but it worked for me as part of my routine and so long as you have one uninjured hand or foot to reflect, this therapy is not only known to be effective in helping to relieve pain brought on by CRPS, but also where there is paralysis following a stroke (hemiplegia) and of course in alleviating phantom limb pain after amputations (for which it was developed).” extract from http://crps-selfhelp.com/

About The Therapy Mirror and The Book
There are many who generously share their experiences on the net, in blogs and support groups etc, but certainly at the time of my accident and even now …
crps-selfhelp.com/index.php/about

Testimonials from promolaris

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 11:01:37 +0000

The Brain in CRPS-More Barriers or New Opportunities
Mirror therapy wasn’t all I did but it was the single thing that made a big difference and gave me some control over the management of symptoms. I’m in remission now. All crps symptoms and dysautonomia have gone. Dr Moseley’s description of One thing I have learnt about these approaches is that we should consider it like we would stroke rehab. I say to patients that they are embarking on a long rehab program that will take weeks, and then months, to get real gains.

http://www.promolaris.com/search/stroke+rehabilitation+without+movement+mirror+box+therapy

Mirror Therapy evidence – phantom limb

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:37:02 +0000

The Daily Post: Reflecting Phantom Limbs
By Bryan Lewis
Over time, the pain went away and the man could move on with his life. Pretty amazing, no? If you want to read more about it, just Google “phantom limb mirror therapy” and it will pull up some scholarly papers written on the subject. …
The Daily Post – http://bryangregorylewis.blogspot.com/

Sam L – Wyndhamvale (physiotherapist)

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:26:08 +0000

“I have had a patient who was diagnosed 7 years ago with CRPS of the right upper limb post a rotational injury to the thoracic spine. This patient has undergone 6 ketamine infusions with generally good effects, however the effect tended to wear off after around 3 months with a gradual return of symptoms.6 months ago when this gradual return recurred I instructed my patient on how to use a mirror box along with its physiological rationale and my patient has only occasional right upper limb symptoms during periods of high stress and has now returned to work for the firts time in 7 years.She continues to use the mirror box up to 3 times a day for 5-10 minute sessions as well as on a prn basis.The compact folding design of this product has also helped her keep it with her at all times as it is highly portable without effecting the usage of the product.I use this with all my patients with CRPS”

Sam L – Wyndhamvale (physiotherapist)

Cliff T – UK

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:24:01 +0000

“After a Dubertrys Contraction operation there were complications in as much as the other fingers could not move.The surgeon told me that there was nothing that could be done. My daughter who is a consultant physio recommended the Mirror Box and with constant use the finger movememt has improved dramatically. I carry the mirror box in my suitcase whenever I travel”

Cliff T – UK

Wendy D. – Cheshire UK

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:22:49 +0000

“Very well and with the aid of Physio my shoulder and wrist are now 95% o.k.”

Wendy D. – Cheshire UK

Davina D – Fife Scotland

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:20:53 +0000

“Getting on great with the mirror box, great invention don’t know how I would have managed without it, would highly recommend it . Keep up the good work”

Davina D – Fife Scotland