While mirror therapy has been used more for amputees who experience “phantom limb pain,” it has also been helpful for patients diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSDS) or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and stroke patients. If you have suffered a hand or foot injury or had surgery on these limbs and you experience phantom pain following the injury or surgery, mirror therapy can help you as well.

How Mirror Therapy Works

Your physical therapist teaches you to teach your brain to “see” your affected limb in movement. This therapy is called “mirror image therapy,” and it’s used to trick your brain in a way that helps relieve the pain from your RSD /CRPS, amputated limb or other conditions or injuries that cause chronic pain.

When your therapy session begins, the therapist puts a long mirror or a mirror box so the mirror faces your healthy limb. You begin doing different physical exercises with your healthy limb. Because it appears to you as if your afflicted limb is healthy, the movements you make with your healthy limb seem to be made by your afflicted limb, which makes your brain believe the afflicted limb is actually making the movements. Your course of mirror therapy usually takes place for about 15 minutes daily, five days per week for about eight months. If your pain returns, you may need another round of mirror therapy.

Two theories might explain the cause(s) of mirror pain. Your vision signals and the signals from the intact neurons from your afflicted or missing limb don’t mesh correctly. In other words, the neurons from your afflicted limb “see” one thing while your eyes see something completely different.

The second theory stems from the belief that muscle memory remembers some old positions of your afflicted limb. Some of these positions were painful, which those intact neurons “remember,” even after your injury, surgery or amputation. Is mirror therapy effective for amputees? For some, it is, while others may not get the same level of relief from their pain.

Mirror Therapy and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or RSD / CPRS

A young soccer player suffered an ankle sprain during a match, then developed RSD / CRPS. RSD / CRPS originates in the central nervous system, which causes the brain to send pain signals to an injured limb. The brain wants an answer back from that limb. Because of the RSD /CRPS, the brain has to be re-wired so it develops a different communication path to the affected limb.

The soccer player started working on mirror therapy and taught her brain to “see” her injured foot moving. This patient was 12 years old at the time she sprained her ankle. Because of her youth, she was able to learn how to trick her brain into seeing her sprained ankle making moves that were still physically impossible – in one therapy session. Because phantom pain in RSD / CRPS patients can return, she has had to repeat the mirror therapy two times, once after suffering a minor injury. After her original ankle sprain, she suffered from RSD / CRPS for about six weeks before beginning mirror therapy in her physical therapy sessions. Her mother is a licensed master social worker and wrote about her daughter’s experience with an injury, RSD / CRPS and mirror therapy, publishing her article on the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association’s website.

Your physical therapist can use either a mirror or a mirror box, which is a box with two mirror on each side. The mirrors face out toward both sides of your body. You put your afflicted limb into the box so it isn’t reflected by either mirror. Your healthy limb goes outside the box and is reflected by one of the mirrors. As you start your therapy, you look at that mirror and watch your healthy limb making the movements. Because you “see” two limbs, your brain believes your afflicted limb is the one making the movements, which can alleviate your pain.

Amputees and Mirror Therapy

While it sounds odd that an amputee can experience phantom limb pain from a limb that is no longer on his body, he can experience pain. This pain can persist for years or decades after an amputation. This pain can have a definite negative impact on his quality of life and ability to function. Mirror therapy can help provide relief from the pain.

If your phantom pain originates from an amputated limb, a physical therapist, anesthesiologist or  neurologist can teach you how to use mirror box or mirror therapy to reduce the phantom pain to the point where it goes away or you can function again.

Once you learn the mirror therapy technique, your doctor or therapist can teach you how to use the therapy at home. In this way, should your phantom pain return, you can repeat the exercises you have learned at home, eliminating the need for scheduling therapy sessions and paying more money.

Because mirror therapy exposes your brain to the image of your healthy limb making movements, it gets the message that both of your limbs are moving and functioning correctly.

The Evidence

Functional MRIs done on patients suffering from RSD/ CRPS or phantom limb pain after amputation show that cortical restructuring has taken place inside the brain. From these MRIs, it appears that the brain “remaps” the body’s map of nerves and neurons as it works to rid itself of the distortion caused by amputation, illness or injury.

Below is a good video I found on how to make a mirror box, you might want to try at home. 
How to make a mirror box for phantom limb pain

Andrew T. Austin | Myspace Video

I have spoken to several individuals with RSD / CRPS who have found pain releif using daily Mirror Therapy.  Whether you have phantom limb pain or RSD / CRPS it appears to be worth a try.

  Mara Gerke

References: http://www.rsds.org/publications/Mailbag_KGallagher_Spring2008.html
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association: Mailbag: Mirror Therapy
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/washington/news.aspx?id=136035
Medill Reports Washington: Mirrors Effective in Alleviating “Phantom Limb Pain”
http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/schools/school-of-medicine/about/mirror-91010.cfm
Oregon Health & Science University: Beth Darnall, PhD., Develops Self-Treatment Tool for Phantom Pain.

Focused Breathing

Focused breathing is a meditation technique that allows you to concentrate on breathing, its effect on your body and ability to refresh you. People who use focused breathing as a pain management and stress-reduction technique begin their sessions by relaxing their bodies and deeply inhaling and exhaling. These deep breaths rush oxygen to the cells and help clear the mind of common clutter, allowing you to focus on your body and your health.

Guided Imagery

Guided imagery is a relation technique that works as you focus on a calming scene. Some people use soft music simultaneously as they call to mind a soothing scene or image. Other think about their body, imagining their pain dissipating, their cells healing.

Prayer

Prayer becomes a form of meditation when you use the practice as a means to release your pain, fears and frustrations. Some people repeat a certain inspiring scripture or verse, one that seems to promote emotional or physical healing.

Walking Meditation

A simple stroll outside can become a meditation session when you leave behind your headphones and listen instead to your body. Clearing your mind and focusing on your breathing and body movements makes walking a mindful experience, one that rejuvenates you and reduces stress. 

I feel one of the reason the chi machine is so beneficial to everyone is because it makes you take time out or your day to lye down, relax and breathe deep reducing stress.

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Tea Tree and Lavender Herbal Salve * 2 oz * $12.00

 
The oils used in this blend were selected for their analgesic, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antii-inflammatory , and calmative properties.

Suggested Use: Apply to areas of skin and rub in as needed. Not for use with deep wounds. For external use only.

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Foot Salve * 2 oz * $10.00

Have you ever been embarassed by your cracked heels or the rough dry skin on your feet.  This salve is wonderful and my customers love it!  Not only does it soften your feet, the lavender essential oil helps you to relax and get a sound sleep!

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What is Spinal Cord Stimulation and How Does it Work?

If you are an appropriate candidate, you undergo surgical implantation of a power source. A lead is attached by way of an extension wire. Depending on the complexity of the chronic pain, four to eight leads can be attached to extension wires and the power source, which is usually a battery or a radiofrequency receiver. Chronic pain conditions usually require more complex stimulation.

Spinal cord stimulation is used for pain conditions, and can also be used for treating critical limb ischemia and refractory chest pain. Medical professionals do not yet understand the neurophysiology of pain relief after you have begun using spinal cord stimulation. Two theories say that the pain relief may come from “activation of an inhibitory system” or through blockage of facilitative circuits or nerves that transmit and facilitate the chronic pain, states the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana website.

When you are undergoing testing to determine if you are a suitable candidate for spinal cord stimulation, your pattern of pain distribution is closely studied as your doctor decides where the stimulation lead should be placed. Once you have been found to be a suitable candidate for this type of pain therapy, you undergo two surgical procedures. The first is the implantation of an electrode into the epidural space. At this point, you go through a trial period of spinal cord stimulation to determine whether treatment will be effective. For this type of therapy to be considered effective, you must experience at least a 50 percent reduction in pain. Once this has been determined, you then go through the second stage of surgery, which involves permanent implantation of the electrodes and the radio-receiver/transducer.

This type of therapy is considered a “therapy of last resort,” used only after other treatment methods have failed or if those methods are contraindicated for any reason. For you to be considered an appropriate candidate for spinal cord stimulation, your pain must be neuropathic. That is, you have suffered physical damage to the peripheral nerves in your body. Some of thes e types of pain can include phantom pain or stump pain, radiculopathies or peripheral neuropathy. The types of pain this therapy will not affect include nerve irritation or nociceptive pain and pain that is related to a central nervous system damage that is the result of a spinal cord injury or stroke.

Study Results

A pain relief study using spinal cord stimulation was conducted at the Maastricht University Hospital in Maastricht, the Netherlands. Dr. Marius A. Kemler, et al., conducted the study with patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years of age. These patients all met the diagnostic criteria for reflex sympathetic dystrophy as established by the International Association for the Study of Pain. Each patient suffered from impaired function and symptoms ranged beyond the area of injury. Other requirements for enrollment in the study included disease and pain clinically restricted to one foot or hand. The pain lasted for at least six months and did not respond well to standard therapy, to include six months of physical therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, sympathetic blockade or pain medications, according to Kemler, et al.

Conditions that excluded patients from the study included a current or previous neurologic abnormality that was unrelated to the sympathetic dystrophy, Raynaud’s disease, a blood-clotting disorder or use of anticoagulant medication, a condition affecting the function of the diseased extremity or the use of a cardiac pacemaker.

Each patient responded to a 90-item symptom checklist measuring levels of psychological distress. Scores nearing or reaching 450 showed the patient was in severe psychological distress, with those scoring 200 or higher undergoing a full psychological examination meant to rule out a major psychiatric disorder or substance abuse, as well as to look at any issues of a possible secondary gain from the treatment of an illness.

Patients who were selected underwent a test to determine if they would have a positive response to spinal cord stimulation. For those who had no response, no implant was scheduled. The patients selected for implantation underwent a prophylactic, intravenous dose of an antibiotic, then placed into a prone position. Using direct fluoroscopy, the epidural space of the spinal cord was entered using a Tuohy needle. Depending on the limb affected, a temporary electrode was passed through the needle and implanted at the appropriate level for the limb. Generally, this meant the C4 epidural space was used for the electrode if the hand was involved. If the foot was involved, the T12 epidural space was used. An external stimulator was connected to the electrode, then positioned so the patient could stimulate the electrode. Ideally, the patient would report pain relief over the entire area where he experienced his pain. When implantation was successful, the needle was removed and the elect rode was stitched to the patient’s skin, then connected to the stimulator. The patient was required to undergo a seven-day home-testing process while going through their normal daily activities. After the seven-day trial period, surgeons removed the temporary lead. If the patient indicated a score of “at least” 6, indicating a “much improved” status on a seven-point scale, he underwent implantation of the spinal cord stimulator. In addition to spinal cord stimulation, each patient was also required to undergo standardized physical therapy twice per week for six months.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana also reported that an evidence-based review was done by the American Society of Pain Physicians and they found that evidence was strong for short term pain relief and moderate for long term pain releif in relation to complex regional pain syndrome or reflex sympathetic dystrophy.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana: Spinal Cord Stimulation; The New England Journal of Medicine: Spinal Cord Stimulation in Patients with Chronic Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

Set Small Goals

If you have a large amount of weight to lose, you may be overwhelmed by the effort and time it will take to reach your goal. For this reason, many obese adults either never get started on their diets, or begin with great enthusiasm and end up losing steam and stopping short—never realizing their diet goal. Experts recommend slow and steady weight loss, however. By setting smaller goals, such as losing one to two pounds per week, you are able to celebrate small victories and gain the confidence to keep going. Research proves slower weight loss is more sustainable than a sudden drop in weight. Therefore, while it may be tempting to try a quick-fix fad diet, the old saying, “slow and steady wins the race,” is a surefire method for diet success.

Herbs and Aids

Although hosts of herbal products and diet aides are useless and sometimes dangerous, countless others are beneficial and effective. Don’t be discouraged by poor purchases you have made in the past. Quality products are available from trusted manufacturers. The following are some herbs and diet aids that may be both healthy and safe when used appropriately:

• Green Tea: Shown to have a thermogenic effect, green tea helps increase the metabolic rate for greater fat burning. Additionally, green tea is a terrific source of antioxidants, which help boost health and counteract cell destruction caused by free radicals.
• Slimming wraps: These weight loss garments help slim and tone your midsection by forcing intestinal fluid into your veins and causing you to excrete them through urination, says Pamela Peeke, M.D. Although products vary, some are infused with natural botanicals for maximum results.

These are just a few of the countless herbs and diet aids that may help you shed those holiday pounds and achieve weight loss success. Talk to a trusted health care specialist for additional product ideas.

References:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/holiday-pounds/MY01962
http://www.spafinder.com/lifestyle/well-being/slimming-body-wraps_401_2.htm

Congestion Relief

Nasal decongestant medications are not always safe nor proven to always work in children. Sometimes these drugs cause hallucinations, irritability and increased heart rate. Nevertheless, just because medications are risky does not mean your child has to tolerate a stuffy nose. You can harness the power of steam to loosen mucous and make coughing productive. Simply place a humidifier in your child’s room or allow him to inhale steam from a hot shower. Older children can stand above a kettle of boiling water, inhaling the thick, rising steam for several minutes until breathing becomes easier.

Salt Water Drops

Salt water works as a decongestant by flushing fluids from the nose. This safe and effective remedy can be used on children of all ages—even babies. Although the initial application may cause some fussing, the process is generally quick and can be done several times daily.

Herbs

Herbal remedies can help decrease inflammation in the airways and make cold symptoms less severe. Some herbs are even thought to enhance the body’s immune system, which helps to reduce the duration of the illness. 

There are several herbs such as echinacea, marshmallow, and fenugreek which work to reduce common cold symptoms, including cough and congestion. My favorite is Sunshine Heroes Elderberry Immune for supporting the immune system.

Other Remedies

Hard candy or cough drops help soothe a sore throat, although chocking hazards exist for small children. Warm fluids such as tea and soup keep kids hydrated and help reduce congestion. You might also slather an herbal salve or petroleum jelly under your child’s nose to treat irritated and inflamed skin. Propping pillows under his head also aids nighttime breathing and helps promote a good night’s sleep. Older kids might enjoy sleeping in a recliner for the same purpose.

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Wouldn’t it be nice to relax away the day?

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Suggested Use: Apply to pulse points and massage in as needed. For external use only.

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This gel is great and all the guys really like it. It has a nice fresh and clean smell and the lavender essential oil makes it very beneficial to the skin.

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Helps your body’s innate healing!

This blend was designed for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, cicatrizant (stimulates the formation of scar tissue), and diuretic (stimulates removal of fluid from tissues) properties.

A friend of mine recuperating from breast cancer and reconstructive surgery used it on her skin and scar and absolutely loved its many benefits!

Suggested Use: Apply to skin and massage on areas as needed. For external use only.

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