Decreasing Phantom Limb Pain for Amputees with Phantom Limb Pain and Brachial Plexus Avulsions Through Various Therapy Interventions: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This rapid systematic review of the literature discusses the evidence of studies related to effective occupational therapy interventions in reducing phantom limb pain (PLP) due to amputations and brachial plexus avulsions (BPA). This review provides a comprehensive overview and analysis of 30 studies that addressed many of the interventions commonly used in phantom limb pain rehabilitation. Phantom limb pain is a painful sensation perceived in the absence of a limb or in a deafferented limb. Suffering from acute or chronic pain can decrease engagement and performance in meaningful occupations. Overall, we found moderate evidence to support the effectiveness of various therapy interventions for decreasing PLP in individuals with amputations and BPAs.