What Is Mirror Therapy Used For

Mirror therapy is a type of physical rehabilitation that uses a mirror to help people relearn how to use a limb that has been affected by a stroke, injury, or other condition. It is based on the principle that the brain can be tricked into thinking that the reflected limb is the real limb, and this can help to improve movement and function.

Mirror therapy is typically used to treat people who have lost movement in one or more limbs. It can also be used to treat people who have pain or stiffness in their limbs. Mirror therapy is often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy.

The most common type of mirror therapy is called mirror box therapy. In this type of therapy, the person sits in front of a mirror with their affected limb placed in a mirror box. The mirror box is a box with a mirror on one side and a hole on the other side. The person places their unaffected limb in the hole, and they can then see the reflection of their unaffected limb moving in the mirror.

As the person moves their unaffected limb, they can see the reflection of their affected limb moving in the mirror. This tricks the brain into thinking that the affected limb is moving, and this can help to improve movement and function.

Mirror therapy can be a very effective treatment for people who have lost movement in one or more limbs. It is a safe and non-invasive treatment that can help people to regain function and improve their quality of life. In the following sections, we will discuss the essential aspects of mirror therapy in more detail.

Mirror therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

Stroke
Brain injury
Spinal cord injury
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's disease
Cerebral palsy
Amputation
Chronic pain
Stiffness

Mirror therapy is not a cure for any of these conditions, but it can help to improve movement and function, and reduce pain and stiffness. Mirror therapy is typically used in conjunction with other therapies, such as physical therapy and occupational therapy.

Mirror therapy is a safe and non-invasive treatment. It is well-tolerated by most people, and there are few side effects. The most common side effect is fatigue. Mirror therapy can be used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. It can also be used at home.