Mirror therapy - how long before I can expectbactive movement

Hi Mahila,

StrokeLine may have some advice, they will post and answer here. But if you want to have a chat call the team on StrokeLine 1800 787 653 - Diana 

Hi Mahila

I am sorry to hear of the ongoing difficulties you are having with your affected hand. It is good to hear you are committed to ongoing therapy, and setting new goals! 

In regards to the mirror therapy, are you starting this with a therapist, or on your own? It is a good idea to start any new therapy with a therapist to ensure you are making the most of the therapy for your specific situation.

According to our clinical guidelines for stroke management 2017, the research indicates that Mirror therapy can be used as an intervention to improve pain or motor function. When the intention is to improve motor function, therapy should incorporate bilateral active movements. The optimal 'dosage' (amount) of therapy and therapy schedule remains unclear, with the literature reporting a range of 10–60 minute therapy sessions performed between once a week to daily for between 2 and 6 weeks. We need more evidence to be ale to provide you with a specific amount of therapy that will have a positive outcome.

The research has also shown that Mirror therapy can be applied as an additional intervention in the rehabilitation of people after stroke, but no clear conclusion could be drawn if mirror therapy replaced other interventions for improving motor function of the arm.

Although not specifically about mirror therapy, there has been some recent research released by the Australian Physiotherapy Association through a blog on EnableMe into neuroplasticity and the number of repetitions needed to reach recovery goals post stroke. A number of studies were conducted looking at repetitions and improvement post stroke.  The research has showed that although we don't know exactly how many repetitions are required to impact on recovery, the number is likely to be quite high. 

I am sorry I couldn't give you anything more concrete, but hopefully others within the community may be able to comment on their experience with mirror therapy.

As Diana mentioned above, you are more than welcome to give us a call on StrokeLine to discuss this further. you can call us Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on Ph. 1800 787 653.

Kind regards

Siobhan (StrokeLine) 

Thanks Siobhan for responding with your expert knowledge on mirror therapy andvdosagebprescribed. I will never stop this thread with my occupational therapist after the NDIS budget for  the y earb is approved. 

Kind regards

Mahila

Hey Mahila,

I have updated StrokeLine response to the Australian Physiotherapy Associations blog about the number of repetitions that you may need.

You can also access it here.

Also for anyone looking for more info about mirror therapy - watch the video below.

Diana 

Hi Mahila,

Here are some more answers for you from the Facebook community:

Alex:  I have had experience with a mirror box. It is very helpful along side other therapy like e-stim. I would not expect miracles from it alone. 

As for how long until you should expect movement that is directly dependent on where the stroke was and how much time you are putting into it. I had complete paralysis of my whole left side and I did as much rehab as I could and it still took 3 months until I saw any arm/hand movement. 
Persistence is the key with rehab.

Terri: My father-in-law made me a mirror box which i used religiously after my stroke I think it it helped to gets the neuro pathways to help get your movement back in the injured hand by mimicking the good hand good luck txx