Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Physical Therapies
People with CRPS often avoid using their CRPS-involved limb because it hurts. If you do not use and move your CRPS-involved limb, it will become stiffer, and eventually, more disabled and more painful. Moving your limb and retraining it to do the things it normally does is key to getting better. Physical therapy (PT) is the most important part of CRPS treatment at almost any stage. You may begin therapy by having PT and occupational therapy (OT) that helps decrease pain, swelling, and sensitivity and increase movement. As you get better, physical therapists will help you increase movement, strength and flexibility in your limb.
In addition to PT and OT, you may also work with recreational and vocational therapists. Recreational therapists design exercises and adapt equipment so you can do the leisure activities you enjoy. For example, the therapist working with a golfer may help him or her find clubs with a thicker grip or adjust his or her swing. Vocational and occupational therapists can help you get ready to return to work. They are trained to adapt work stations and equipment to help People with CRPS function as well as possible at work. Your treatments and exercises will change based on your needs and progress over time.
Remember that PT and other therapies are often only a part of your CRPS treatment. You may need PT, medicines and other treatments for very long periods of time. Follow your therapy exactly as planned during therapy sessions and at home. Tell your therapist if you do not think a treatment is working. Doing too many or too few exercises may cause your CRPS to get worse. CRPS treatment is most useful when the pain medicine physician is giving the right pain-relieving drugs or nerve blocks; the psychologist is helping with pain-related depression or anxiety and so on. This can present health care coverage problems with insurance providers who usually limit physical therapy to a certain number of visits.
The Feldenkrais Method
The Feldenkrais method is a type of bodywork that uses gentle movements to promote personal awareness of the body, increase flexibility and improve coordination. One of the key philosophies of the Feldenkrais method is that there is no separation between the mind and body and that, as the body strengthens and gains new forms of movement, the mind will also strengthen and improve.
Unlike manipulative physical therapies such as massage or Rolfing, Feldenkrais practitioners generally view the work as a way to expand one’s knowledge of self and promote the connection between the mind and the body. Classes – called “Awareness through Movement” – focus on teaching small, precise movements that can be beneficial to people of all fitness levels and abilities. One-on-one Feldenkrais is called “Functional Integration.” Many people find the experience relaxing and helpful.
For more information, please see our full article on the Feldenkrais Method or visit www.feldenkrais.com.
In addition to PT and OT, you may also work with recreational and vocational therapists. Recreational therapists design exercises and adapt equipment so you can do the leisure activities you enjoy. For example, the therapist working with a golfer may help him or her find clubs with a thicker grip or adjust his or her swing. Vocational and occupational therapists can help you get ready to return to work. They are trained to adapt work stations and equipment to help People with CRPS function as well as possible at work. Your treatments and exercises will change based on your needs and progress over time.
Remember that PT and other therapies are often only a part of your CRPS treatment. You may need PT, medicines and other treatments for very long periods of time. Follow your therapy exactly as planned during therapy sessions and at home. Tell your therapist if you do not think a treatment is working. Doing too many or too few exercises may cause your CRPS to get worse. CRPS treatment is most useful when the pain medicine physician is giving the right pain-relieving drugs or nerve blocks; the psychologist is helping with pain-related depression or anxiety and so on. This can present health care coverage problems with insurance providers who usually limit physical therapy to a certain number of visits.
The Feldenkrais Method
The Feldenkrais method is a type of bodywork that uses gentle movements to promote personal awareness of the body, increase flexibility and improve coordination. One of the key philosophies of the Feldenkrais method is that there is no separation between the mind and body and that, as the body strengthens and gains new forms of movement, the mind will also strengthen and improve.
Unlike manipulative physical therapies such as massage or Rolfing, Feldenkrais practitioners generally view the work as a way to expand one’s knowledge of self and promote the connection between the mind and the body. Classes – called “Awareness through Movement” – focus on teaching small, precise movements that can be beneficial to people of all fitness levels and abilities. One-on-one Feldenkrais is called “Functional Integration.” Many people find the experience relaxing and helpful.
For more information, please see our full article on the Feldenkrais Method or visit www.feldenkrais.com.