Mirror therapy

[3] Although there has been much research on MVF, authors of many review articles complain about the poor methodology often used, for example, small sample sizes or lack of control groups.

In 1999 Ramachandran and Eric Altschuler expanded the mirror technique from amputees to improving the muscle control of stroke patients with weakened limbs.

[7] A review article published in 2016 concluded that "Mirror therapy (MT) is a valuable method for enhancing motor recovery in poststroke hemiparesis.

[9] A 2018 review based on 1685 patients recovering from hemiplegic stroke found mirror therapy provided significant pain relief, while improving motor functions and activities of daily living (ADL).

[10] Thirteen out of seventeen randomized controlled trials found that MT was beneficial for post-stroke patients' legs and feet, according to a 2019 review paper.

[13][14] Virtual reality and robotics can also provide the visual illusion of regaining control of a damaged limb, but with no advantages over standard mirror therapy.

An occupational therapy assistant using mirror therapy to address phantom pain
Ramachandran (right) with his original mirror box
A diagram of a mirror box. A patient inserts a whole hand into one hole and the "phantom" hand into the other. When viewed from an angle, an image of two complete hands is created in the brain.