An Invited Review of Mirror Therapy for Phantom Limb Pain for Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports

Mirror Therapy (MT) is a widely used treatment for Phantom Limb Pain (PLP). The mechanism by which it works is poorly understood. This review aims to consolidate and assess recent research on its role in PLP, highlight knowledge gaps and identify potential areas of future research.

Current evidence on MT’s use in PLP is mixed, drawing from randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Studies often involve small sample sizes with varying methodological quality preventing meaningful conclusions.

Despite the limited understanding of the mechanism by which MT works, it remains an accessible and low-risk intervention that may offer relief to patients experiencing PLP. To establish its role, large-scale, high-quality studies are required.