Exercise Therapy for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), or Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic nervous system disorder that negatively affects mobilization and daily living activities. CRPS is characterized by intense pain, temperature and skin changes for the affected area, hypersensitivity, swelling, excessive sweating, impairment of motor functions, weakness, and decreased range of motion. Various treatment approaches exist to treat CRPS and the pain associated with it, including aerobic exercise, physical therapy, whirlpool bath, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation. A sample case study examines the combination of various treatment methods to treat CRPS and provides a typical therapy prescription