What is the use of mirrors in physical therapy?
Dream girl, mirrors are used for the purpose of feedback to the brain. Looking at oneself in a mirror gives a specific feedback which allows one to see things that would otherwise be impossible to identify. This is true in postural control and even in teaching someone how to walk. One of the uses of mirrors is in helping people regain control of an arm or leg. The mirror is set up on a wall of a triangular set up and the injured limb is placed inside this triangle. Using the uninvolved limb minus all identifiable items such as jewelry, the person uses that arm and watches the “mirror image” and sees what the brain interprets as a normal functioning limb. It is also used to decrease the effects of phantom limb sensations. The results are often dramatic. In all cases the mirror serves as a biofeedback element that is invaluable.
