Arm, shoulder and hand injuries

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

What is the complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a long lasting, very painful condition. Normally, after an injury or surgery your sympathetic nervous system is activated to bring about healing and return your body back to normal.

The sympathetic nerve is activated from the message of pain that is received from the initial injury.

Due to distorted information processing, of unknown cause, these nerves continue to send the message of injury to the brain and so the symptoms of the initial injury (redness, swelling) are continually experienced.

Therefore, an abnormal healing response is demonstrated. The pain of the initial injury is felt long after the injury has taken place and usually worsens.

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What may I experience?

Intense pain that out of proportion to the initial injury
Altered sensations – increased sensitivity to touch (hot and/or cold), pressure and movement
Swollen and look shiny
Colour change – either red and blotchy or blue and pale
Abnormal sweating or dryness
Stiffness & loss of strength
Reduced function

What should I do?

Treatment is focused around interrupting the effect of the sympathetic nerve control. Book an appointment here.

Mirror therapy, motor imagery & laterality exercises will be part of treatment. Weight bearing & traction exercises, along with mobilisation techniques and conservative methods to reduce pain and swelling, may also be used.

We will also teach you ways to help manage and cope with your pain. A positive approach to your injury and relaxation techniques will help reduce your symptoms. Refer to the brain health advice for ways to keep your mind healthy while your body heals.

What can I expect?

The result is different for each individual. It can take several months for the symptoms to reduce. Most people will return to normal or near normal functionality, however you could be left with a moderate to severe disability.

What is the complex regional pain syndrome?What may I experience?What should I do?What can I expect?

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