Seeing Relief: Mirror Box Therapy as a Treatment for Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome

Author

Danielle Watson, University of Puget Sound
Mel Velsher, University of Puget Sound

Abstract

In collaboration with an occupational therapist who works in a physical therapy private practice as a hand therapist, the following clinical questions were identified: Is mirror box therapy (MT) effective in reducing pain for patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS); secondary to orthopedic injury or peripheral nerve damage in the upper extremity (UE)? What protocols and dosages are the most effective? A structured review of the literature identified 18 studies that focus on the use of MT for CRPS of the UE: one meta-analysis of systematic reviews, five systematic reviews (SR) and 12 individual studies of which four are not reviewed in the SRs. Research regarding the use of MT for CRPS shows positive effects on outcomes for pain reduction with CRPS Type I, both acute and chronic, and emerging evidence for increased functional use, sensation and decreased swelling. However, currently, evidence is considered of low quality due to small sample sizes and replication by the same research group. Protocols are highly variable and sometimes vague, but the most commonly researched protocol has been L. Moseley’s graded motor imagery (GMI) program.

The following knowledge translation products were selected in collaboration with the clinician: an in-service for clinicians and educational pamphlet for consumers. The clinician expressed satisfaction with the pamphlet and regret that we could not schedule the in-service. Further research evaluating the effectiveness of the different protocols and dosages available is recommended, as well as describing the experiences of both the clients and clinicians utilizing MT.

Publication Place

Tacoma, Washington

Publisher

University of Puget Sound

Project Chairperson

Sue Doyle, PhD, OTR/L, CFE

Project Chairperson

Publication Date

5-2016

Genre

Capstone Project

Format

PDF

Language

English

Copyright Information

Terms of Use for work posted in Sound Ideas: http://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/copyright.html

Degree Program

Occupational Therapy

Degree Level

Master of Science

Discipline

Occupational Therapy

School

University of Puget Sound

Recommended Citation

Watson, Danielle and Velsher, Mel, "Seeing Relief: Mirror Box Therapy as a Treatment for Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome" (2016). School of Occupational Therapy Master's Capstone Projects (2016-2021). 3.
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/ot_capstone/3