Massage therapy is a treatment self-reported by those with phantom limb pain (PLP) as moderately to extremely effective, but no research to date has been specifically designed to examine such efficacy or effectiveness in this regard. The investigators propose that massage therapy can affect PLP by applying treatment to the corresponding intact limb for amputees. Theoretical underpinnings of massage and mirror therapy have guided this study's development to address PLP through the development of a novel massage intervention. The proof-of-concept experimental study examines the feasibility and outcomes of a combined massage and mirror therapy treatment for individuals with lower limb phantom limb pain. Phantom pain severity, intensity, and interference were measured with visual analogue scales (collected twice weekly for the study's duration) and the Brief Pain Index (collected 4 total times across 12 weeks) using a single-subject, withdrawal design with three, 4-week study phases. Intervention consisted of twice weekly, 20-minute treatments for four weeks. Tailored treatments addressed individual phantom pain experience as if occurring on the corresponding, non-removed limb. Participants viewed treatment as though it were being applied to the amputated limb. Specific Aim: Determine the extent to which massage therapy applied in combination with mirror therapy to the intact leg of an amputee addresses PLP severity, intensity, and interference. Hypothesis: massage and mirror treatment session(s) focused on an intact limb will have acute and cumulative benefits (more pronounced and lasting) for PLP severity, intensity, and interference. All study activity to occur on Indiana University's IUPUI campus.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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PLP Severity
Timeframe: VAS scores were collected twice weekly (25 times total) throughout the three month study period. Participants were asked to consider the last 2-3 days for the "average" and "worst" VAS and in the moment for the "current" VAS