Treatment of phantom limb pain with combined EMG and thermal biofeedback: a case report

Abstract

Phantom pain is a frequent consequence of the amputation of an extremity and causes considerable discomfort and disruption of daily activities. This study describes a patient with extreme phantom limb pain following amputation of the right upper limb. The treatment consisted of 6 sessions of EMG biofeedback followed by 6 sessions of temperature biofeedback. The patient did not use a prosthesis and had not received previous treatment for chronic pain. Results demonstrated complete elimination of phantom limb pain after treatment, which was maintained at a 3- and 12-month follow-up. Pain relief covaried with increase in skin temperature at stump and perceptual telescoping (retraction of phantom limb into stump).