Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment for phantom limb pain

Five consecutive cases of phantom limb pain were treated with EMDR. The time since the amputation ranged from one week to three years. Four of the five clients completed the prescribed treatment and reported that pain was completely eliminated, or reduced to a negligible level. The one client who stopped treatment chose to do so after reducing his pain by one half. The standard EMDR treatment protocol was used to target the accident that caused the amputation, and other related events. The five cases are described in detail. The treatment and theoretical implications are explored and recommendations are made for future research.

Journal

English

Marshall Wilensky

Wilensky, M. (2006). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment for phantom limb pain. Journal of Brief Therapy, 5(1), 31-44. doi:10.1186/1471-2474-14-256