Full Story: – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-15938103

Read the full report in The guardian at :-

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2011/nov/14/mirror-therapy-reduces-pain-arthritis?commentpage=last#end-of-comments

A folding mirror box is used for stroke rehabilitation, CRPS, RSD, phantom lamb pain as well as limb rehab after an injury or surgery.

 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)

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.

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

Healthbeat Report Mirror therapy to help regain movement in …
Some patients are now trying an easy and inexpensive technique to help regain movement in partially paralyzed or injured arms.
abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/health&id…