Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Bethesda
If you are experiencing persistent regional pain with no known cause, you may have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Thankfully, at Bethesda Physiocare, our physical therapy team understands the importance of quality life for each of our patients. Our goal is to get you the care you need to manage your pain so you can get back to the life you love.
Connect with a physical therapist in Bethesda today by calling (301) 656-5613 and get your pain managed today.
We Can Help Treat Patients with CRPS
While there is no cure for CRPS, with a proper treatment plan, we work to increase pain tolerance in patients suffering from persistent pain. Treatment for CRPS may include a combination of physical therapy, medication, and psychological support.
At Bethesda Physiocare, we don’t believe in just treating pain. We look for effective outcomes, quality physical therapy requires management, education, training, strengthening, stability, and flexibility for lasting results.
What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a condition that can affect children and adults. The National Organization for Rare Diseases reported that nearly 200,000 people are affected annually in the United States. There are two types of CRPS that vary depending on if the affected limb’s nerve damage was indirectly (Type 1) or directly (Type 2) impacted.
What Causes CRPS
CRPS often occurs with no known cause more often than not. The pain typically appears in the arm, leg, hand, or foot, resulting in significant weakness and limited function later in life.
Symptoms of CRPS
There is a wide range of symptoms when it comes to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, depending on the severity of the pain. Some may even appear over a short period of time, while others may be persistent. Common symptoms include, but are not limited to:
Continuous burning or throbbing
Sensitivity to touch or cold
Swelling and stiffness
Changes in hair and nail growth
Motor control dysfunction
Joint hypomobility
Changes in skin temperature, color, and texture
If you are experiencing consistent pain, call our physical therapy clinic in Bethesda at (301) 656-5613 to get the care you need.
How CRPS is Treated
At Bethesda Physiocare, we treat patients with CRPS and similar chronic pains through two phases. Phase 1 focuses on reducing pain, often including manual therapy, dry needling, pain science education, deep muscle massage therapy, and similar soft tissue and joint mobilization techniques.
Phase 2 focuses on functionality and reducing pain through learning self-pacing skills and goal setting relating to physical, functional, and social goals. This could include services like functional training, continued manual therapy, and muscle strengthening.
However, at the forefront of any pain management plan, our therapists encourage patient education to prevent and limit any external factors that can be a trigger in a patient’s daily life.
For more info on management techniques, read Dr. Dommerholt’s article on physical therapy management.
Why Choose Us
Our therapists can get to know you and evaluate your CRPS symptoms. We also understand every patient is different, so no treatment should be the same.
Each of our plans is designed specifically for their patient, including combinations or techniques from other services such as chronic pain management, manual therapy, and more. That way, your treatment targets the unique causes of your Complex Regional Pain Syndrome for the best relief and management techniques.
Contact
A Complex Regional Pain Syndrome diagnosis doesn’t have to control your life. With a dedicated team, we can work with you to create a pain management program to get you back to living a quality, functional life.
Give us a call at (301) 656-5613 to book a session with our physical therapist in Bethesda today.
