THE OT'S GUIDE TO MIRROR THERAPY was designed with the busy practitioner in mind. A learning curve should be expected, however, the time required to acclimate to all materials is minimal, taking most practitioners less than one hour to learn. All content is succinct and likely builds on your existing OT knowledge, which should facilitate comprehension and understanding. 

It is always worthwhile to add to your knowledge of neurological treatment interventions so you can offer your clients the best possible care. Return of arm function is essential towards a client's return to  independence following stroke or brain injury. 

According to the CDC, stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability. Stroke survivors deserve an intervention such as mirror therapy that can be used as a home program to support improvement.

Peter G. Levine, author of the book, "Stronger After Stroke: Your Roadmap to Recovery," points out to stroke survivors several important concepts around plateau and recovery. 1. "...stroke survivors can continue to make progress years, even decades after their stroke." 2. Learned non-use is reversible. 3. Payers put pressure on therapists to end therapy as soon as possible, before the fullest possible recovery is made. 4. Some stroke survivors could continue to progress, "but the most effective recovery options are not used...for one of the following reasons: 

• Lack of therapist training in the new therapy
• Lack of support for the therapy by the rehabilitation facility
• Payers do not pay for the therapy
• Clinicians are unaware of the therapy
• The therapy does not make a profit" (Levine, 2013)

Using mirror therapy is best practice. THE OT'S GUIDE TO MIRROR THERAPY adds value to your practice and supports client recovery following stroke or brain injury. Most importantly, it removes you from the list above. Clinicians should be the last to stand in the way of client progress after stroke.

If you've worked with individuals following stroke or brain injury, you know that not everyone responds with improvement to every treatment modality. It is imperative that clinicians have well rounded knowledge and treatment interventions to offer clients following stroke or brain injury. 

Mirror therapy may not benefit all who use it but one won't know if it isn't used. It is always worth trying every possible intervention to help improve arm function.

Mirror therapy is backed by science and, therefore, should be one of the first interventions incorporated in the treatment plan for any individual with impaired arm function following stroke.