Treatments

Assessment for treatment:

Establish where the affected area is, and the boundaries of that area (you can map this out on a picture)

Show the patient how to desensitise:

  • Advise patient that it is important to perfom desensitisation in a quiet relaxed environment with few distractions
  • Encourage patients to practice first on a body part not affected by CRPS
  • They should employ a variety of materials that can be tolerated
    • Smooth – felt, satin, silk, velvet, make-up or soft paint brushes
    • Rough – towelling, netting, scourers, flannel, wool, hook velcro
  • They should tap or stroke these materials lightly or firmly, whilst working from the border of the hypersensitive area nudging into it.
  • It is usual for these activities to be uncomfortable however if intolerable pain is experienced, stop and find a more tolerable material
  • Advise them to practice 5-10 minutes once or twice a day
  • Advise them to perform all movements very slowly
  • Advise them to look at the area whilst performing desensitisation
  • At a later appointment recheck how they perform desensitisation & correct if needed

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