p.t.-r.s.d.

I have had RSD for 17 years. I suggest that if they want to use TENS or the like that if it hurts you don't use it. ANd if warm feels better than cold to do that too. BUT physical therapy is a must for RSD patients. Please use it as much as you can. FOr the entire body, not just the affected area. And try a clean diet. No sugars and limit your carbs, that helps too. No sodas or caffeine if you can help it. Best of luck!!

Hi starsunshine.

As hopey said - physio is a must for CRPS/RSD! It is painful - I've had it for 13 years, been full body for nearly four, - but without even gentle therapy we risk severe muscle atrophy, joint changes, osteoporosis. CRPS has also been shown to cause something like a 'neglect syndrome'. I have this problem particularly with my legs, which are worst affected (my right knee was my original site) - where my legs feel completely separate from my body - as though they aren't really mine. I 'tell' them to do something and even though they feel like they're moving, like the muscles are contracting, nothing is actually happening. Physio and 'brain training' can help a lot with this.

Different physios will use a different techniques, but my personal guideline for anything is that a little extra pain is okay. Anything causing a lot of extra pain, or pain lasting more than an hour or two after is not. Do you know if the physio is knowledgeable about CRPS? If he/she doesn't bring it up themselves, ask them about Graded Motor Imagery - and have a look yourself at Graded Motor Imagery and also search for 'Recognise' - if you wish to, you're able to register so that you can do a trial of their laterality program. This can help with the limb recognition problem I mentioned above.

Best of luck - and please keep us informed.

Laura