Are you or a loved one grappling with persistent, intense pain that seems disproportionate to any known injury?
You might be dealing with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a challenging condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. But don’t lose hope – here in Victoria, BC, specialized care is available to help you regain control and find relief.
What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically affects an arm or leg following an injury or trauma. It’s characterized by constant excessive pain and changes in skin colour, temperature, and/or swelling in the affected area [1].
There are two types of CRPS:
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- Type I (formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy): Occurs after an illness or injury that didn’t directly damage the nerves in the affected limb.
- Type II (formerly called Causalgia): Follows a distinct nerve injury.
Understanding CRPS Symptoms
CRPS can manifest through a variety of symptoms, which may vary in intensity from person to person. Common symptoms include:
- Continuous burning or throbbing pain
- disproportionate intense pain with a non-painful stimuli such as a feather touch
- Sensitivity to warmth or cold
- Swelling of the affected area
- Changes in skin temperature, colour, or texture
- Joint stiffness
- Muscle spasms and weakness
- Decreased mobility [2][3]
These symptoms can make even simple daily tasks challenging, affecting your overall quality of life. That’s why seeking specialized care, like the hand therapy services we offer at Active Recovery, is crucial for managing CRPS effectively.
Source: https://www.orthobullets.com/basic-science/6095/complex-regional-pain-syndrome-crps
Source: https://www.orthobullets.com/basic-science/6095/complex-regional-pain-syndrome-crps
The CRPS Challenge: More Than Just Pain
Living with CRPS can feel like an uphill battle. The constant pain, sensitivity, and changes in your affected limb can make even simple daily tasks seem overwhelming. You might feel frustrated, helpless, and anxious about managing your condition.
It’s not just the physical symptoms that are challenging. The emotional toll of living with a poorly understood condition can be equally daunting.
But here’s the truth: You’re not alone in this struggle, and there is hope for managing CRPS effectively.
CRPS in British Columbia
While specific prevalence data for BC is limited, studies suggest CRPS affects about 26 per 100,000 person-years [3]. In BC, patients with CRPS can access specialized care through pain clinics and rehabilitation centres like Active Recovery, where we offer expert hand therapy services.
Your Guide to CRPS Management in Victoria, BC
At Active Recovery, we understand the complexities of CRPS and the impact it has on your life. Our team of certified hand therapists are experienced in managing this challenging condition. We’re here to be your guide on the journey to better pain management and improved quality of life.
The Active Recovery Approach to CRPS
Our approach to CRPS management is comprehensive and personalized. Here’s how we can help you take control of your condition:
- Expert Evaluation: We start with a thorough assessment to understand your specific symptoms and how CRPS is affecting your daily life. Our hand therapy experts use their extensive knowledge to create a complete picture of your condition.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: Based on your evaluation, we create a tailored CRPS management plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. This plan incorporates various hand therapy techniques, ensuring a holistic approach to your care.
- Specialized Hand Therapies: Our hand therapy services are designed to help manage pain, improve mobility, and enhance function in the affected limb. These may include:
- Pain Management Techniques: We teach desensitization techniques and provide gentle manual therapy to help manage pain.
- Range of Motion Exercises: Custom exercises help maintain and improve joint mobility, which is crucial in CRPS management.
- Edema Control: We use specialized techniques to reduce swelling in the affected limb, a common issue in CRPS.
- Functional Retraining: Our therapists work on restoring daily living activities and hand function, helping you regain independence [4].
- Custom Splinting: When appropriate, we offer custom splinting to provide support and aid in pain management. Our custom-made splints are designed to fit your unique needs and condition.
- Education and Self-Management: We empower you with knowledge and techniques to manage your symptoms effectively at home. This includes understanding your condition, learning pain management strategies, and knowing how to modify activities to reduce pain and improve function.
- Ongoing Support: CRPS management is often a long-term process. We provide continuous support and adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.
- Multidisciplinary Approach: Complementary and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and Naturopathy provide additional relief for some individuals by controlling general inflammation and pain.
The Benefits of Expert CRPS Care
Choosing specialized hand therapy care for your CRPS can make a significant difference in your recovery journey. Here’s what you can expect:
- Improved Pain Management: Our targeted therapies can help reduce pain intensity and frequency, allowing you to engage more comfortably in daily activities.
- Increased Mobility: We work on restoring movement and function to the affected limb, helping you regain independence in your daily life. Our techniques for regaining strength are particularly beneficial in this aspect.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: As your symptoms improve, you’ll be able to engage more fully in daily activities and the things you love. This can have a profound impact on your overall well-being and mental health.
- Empowerment: You’ll gain the knowledge and tools to take an active role in managing your condition. This sense of control can be incredibly empowering and beneficial for long-term management of CRPS.
- Personalized Care: Our individualized approach ensures that your treatment is tailored to your specific needs, symptoms, and goals.
Understanding the Link Between CRPS and Neuropathy
It’s worth noting that CRPS shares some similarities with neuropathy, another condition we frequently treat. While they are distinct conditions, both involve the nervous system and can cause chronic pain. Our expertise in understanding neuropathy contributes to our comprehensive approach to CRPS management.
Your Next Steps: Taking Action Against CRPS
Living with CRPS is challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Here at Active Recovery in Victoria, BC, we’re ready to support you every step of the way.
Don’t let CRPS control your life any longer. Take the first step towards effective pain management and improved quality of life.
Book your CRPS consultation online or call us at (250) 940-3530 today.
Remember, with the right care and support, it’s possible to manage CRPS effectively and regain control of your life. Let our hand therapy experts be your guide on this journey to recovery.
Resources
- Pain Management: The Victoria Pain Program Clinic at the Royal Jubilee Hospital provides comprehensive care for chronic pain conditions, including CRPS.
References
[1] NCBI – Complex regional pain syndrome: a comprehensive review
[2] HealthLink BC – Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
[3] The Pain Pros – Myths and Facts About Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
[4] Dr. Craig Best – Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Vancouver
