Date of Award
2010
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
Department
Occupational Therapy
First Advisor
Jan Stube
Keywords
Amputation Stumps -- therapy; Pain Management; Phantom Limb -- therapy
Abstract
The prevalence of individuals who have had an amputation and experience adverse types of sensory input from the missing limb is very high (Hunter, Katz, & Davis, 2005). According to the literature, sensory input can be divided into non-painful sensations or painful sensations in the amputated limb often called "phantom sensations." These pains and sensations can have many negative implications upon an individual's occupational performance, and consequently directly implicate the need for occupational therapy. A large number of persons post-amputation experience pain and different sensations from their affected limb even after the healing process has finalized; the etiology behind why or how this occurs is unclear (Hunter, Katz, & Davis, 2005). Wilder-Smith, Hill and Laurent (2005) noted that painful sensations after an individual has gone through an amputation is common, however it is difficult to treat and there ~re very few studies regarding treatment trials. Because limb pain and sensations can have a negative impact on individuals and cause impairment in their daily functioning, further information is needed regarding occupation based treatment interventions to decrease the impact of these sensations within the context of occupational therapy settings.
Recommended Citation
Akkanen, Jenna and Olauson, Laura, "A Holistic Treatment Approach for Individuals Experiencing Phantom Phenomena: An Occupational Therapy Approach" (2010). Occupational Therapy Capstones. 162.
https://commons.und.edu/ot-grad/162