Phantom Limb Pain & Sports

Phantom limb pain is a term first coined by Weir Mitchell in 1872. Pain is experienced in a variety of ways from excruciating pain to a mild aching. Interestingly almost every amputee has this pain to some degree. There is lots of conflicting information about PLP. Even babies born without a limb often experience it, suggesting this problem is innate. Phantom limbs without the pain are not necessarily a problem. When amputees are given artificial limbs phantom limbs are usuful so that they can move the limb. In fact some amputees are unable to walk in the morning unless they first imagine a real limb in order to wake up the perceptions for the brain to create a phantom limb - only then can they put on a artificial limb and make it walk.

In sports phantom limbs can be a problem in that the pain will redirect an athletes focus from their sports endeavors to focusing on the pain.

Initial trials seeking a resolution and explanation concluded that the mirror box was an effective tool. However, subsequent trials have found this technique to be less effective as originally thought. It seems that the effect of the mirror box was actually an alteration in the subjects self image of having a missing limb. A far more effective and convenient tool has been developed using Virtual reality. Although at this stage it is not available to the general public.

There are several reasons for Phantom limb pain but the underlying long term problem seems to be almost universal. Damage to nerve endings is something that has been tackled as a culpret and can be a problem. So too is the regrowth of nerve endings in a stump, which often causes pain or discomfort. But these problems are not what causes all long term pain associated with Phantom Limb.
Different types of pain seem to have different reasons.

The fact is it doesn't really matter a great deal the cause of Phantom pain as long as we can deal with it with a solution that is convenient and healthy.

Hypnosis has been the few consistent solutions and the only viable solution which does not require a hugh box with mirrors or University visits in order to partake in Virtual reality sessions.

The most recent trials conclude that hypnosis for the treatment of phantom limb pain seems to be the obvious answer. When perceptions sent to the brain reduces the mismatch of the brains innate body map which turns off the pain signal then hypnosis's ability in these areas with its advanced visualisation tools have proved to be the answer.

Steve's proven three stage system can have dramatic results and is currently being converted into a CD set for your convenience.

www.PhantombLimbPain.co.uk