Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a condition that typically develops after an injury, leading to severe, continuous pain in one limb. This condition is often accompanied by changes in skin colour, temperature, and swelling, and can extend to sensory hypersensitivity and motor/movement  impairment.

Exercise Physiology can help:

• Pain management: Gradual, progressive exercise can help desensitize the affected area and reduce pain through neuroplasticity and improved circulation.
• Improve mobility and strength: Rehabilitation exercises work to regain normal function and movement in the affected limb, strengthening muscles and increasing joint mobility.
• Restore function: Gait retraining, balance exercises, and strengthening programs can help individuals regain functional independence and reduce disability.
• Reduce swelling: Targeted movement and stretching programs improve lymphatic drainage and circulation, helping to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Studies show that active rehabilitation can improve limb function^2,3,4, significantly reduce pain levels^1,2,3,4 and improve mental status².

1. 1. Shafiee, E., MacDermid, J., Packham, T., Walton, D., Grewal, R. and Farzad, M., 2023. The effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions on pain and disability for complex regional pain syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 39(2), pp.91-105.
   2. Li, T.S., Wang, R., Su, X. and Wang, X.Q., 2023. Effect and mechanisms of exercise for complex regional pain syndrome. Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience, 16, p.1167166.
   3. Shafiee, E., MacDermid, J., Packham, T., Grewal, R., Farzad, M., Bobos, P. and Walton, D., 2023. Rehabilitation Interventions for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 39(9), pp.473-483.
   4. Topcuoglu, A., Gokkaya, N.K.O., Ucan, H. and Karakuş, D., 2015. The effect of upper-extremity aerobic exercise on complex regional pain syndrome type I: a randomized controlled study on subacute stroke. Topics in stroke rehabilitation, 22(4), pp.253-261.