ABSTRACT
Introduction: Feeling and phantom pain are common sequelae after amputation of a limb from the body. Its etiology is not fully elucidated but is considered as a type of sensation and neuropathic pain perceived in the lost portion of the amputated limb caused by pathology in the central neurons with probable influences of peripheral and psychological mechanisms. The prevalence of phantom pain can be observed with variation of 26% and 80% of cancer patients who underwent this procedure. Alternative interventions called non-pharmacological therapies such as Mirror Therapy have increased attention for the treatment of sensation and phantom pain. The mirror image of normal body parts can help to reorganize and integrate the mismatch between proprioception and visual feedback of the amputated limb and may contribute to future appropriate interventions of this phenomenon. Objective: Investigate the effects of Mirror Therapy in cancer amputated patients with phantom limb pain and sensation. Materials and methods: A pilot study was designed as a randomized clinical trial with eight patients from 12 years of age, with reports of pain and phantom sensation after amputation of limb due to cancer, which were followed up in the adult and pediatric physiotherapy sectors, among May to November 2018, from 30 days of surgery, at a referral center for cancer treatment. The patients in the study were randomized into two groups, the Control Group (n=5), who underwent standard physiotherapy (exercises and braces of the stump) and the Mirror Therapy group (n=3) the Mirror Therapy. Results: Preliminary findings evaluating the initial effectiveness of Mirror Therapy in cancer patients are reported here. At the end of the study, three patients reported decreased drug use and the characteristics of phantom and phantom pain. Conclusion: Although the results were inconclusive, other studies with a larger population and robust methods of analysis encourage a broader investigation in the oncological population in order to improve and make appropriate adjustments in the evaluation and treatment of the therapy used.
