Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): Dorothy’s Story and Fascial Counterstrain Therapy

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a little-known, extremely painful condition. Few doctors are familiar with it, and even fewer patients recognize the symptoms. As a result, getting an accurate diagnosis is challenging, and finding effective treatment can be even harder.

What is CRPS?

CRPS is ranked among the most painful conditions on a pain scale developed by Canadian doctors Dr. Welasco and Dr. McGill. This 50-point scale ranges from 0 (no pain) to 50 (maximum pain). CRPS scores 46 points, while limb amputation scores 39, and chronic migraine 29.

Pain from CRPS typically affects a limb and may occur after:

• An injury such as a fracture or dislocation
• Poorly performed surgery
• Stroke or heart attack

In 90% of cases (CRPS type 1), CRPS occurs without direct nerve damage. Early diagnosis and treatment within the first three months significantly improve outcomes. CRPS type 2, which occurs in 10% of patients, involves nerve damage and is considered incurable.

CRPS Symptoms

CRPS is often disproportionate to the original injury. Common symptoms include:

• Severe burning or stabbing pain
• Hypersensitivity to touch or temperature
• Swelling and stiffness
• Temperature fluctuations in the affected limb
• Changes in skin color or texture (thin, shiny, or mottled)
• Muscle spasms, tremors, weakness, and eventual atrophy

Dorothy’s Journey with CRPS Type 2

Dorothy was diagnosed with CRPS type 2 in December 2019, following a seemingly minor ankle injury in April 2019. She had fallen into a sidewalk hole, twisting her ankle. An ER doctor diagnosed a fracture and referred her for surgery. The surgeon fused the bone using metal plates and screws, expecting a full recovery within three months.

Unfortunately, Dorothy’s post-operative pain worsened over time. Numbness, burning, and tingling sensations appeared, yet her surgeon dismissed these symptoms. Only after consulting a neurologist did Dorothy learn that surgery had caused sensory-motor damage to four nerves in her leg. She was diagnosed with traumatic neuropathy and later CRPS type 2.

Initial Treatments and Challenges

Dorothy’s pain management included:

• Lumbar Sympathetic Blocks
• Intensive physical therapy
• Medications

The injections initially provided relief. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted treatment, worsening her pain. Subsequent surgeries, including metal removal and attempted nerve repair, provided limited relief, improving mobility but not reducing pain significantly.

Dorothy later tried neuromodulation therapy with a Sprint PNS stimulator and finally a spinal cord stimulator, which reduced pain levels but required extensive rehabilitation.

Breakthrough with Fascial Counterstrain Therapy

Despite several attempts at traditional physical therapy, Dorothy saw no improvement. Many therapists were unfamiliar with CRPS, and conventional techniques were ineffective.

Her breakthrough came after discovering Fascial Counterstrain therapy, a non-invasive manual therapy technique designed to relieve pain and restore mobility by addressing musculoskeletal and fascial imbalances.

Dorothy found a certified specialist, Piotr Domagala at PDR Physical Therapy & Wellness Center. After the first session, she noticed reduced pain and increased mobility. Over time, Fascial Counterstrain therapy allowed her to walk longer distances and regain control over daily activities.

“Fascial Counterstrain therapy should be an integral part of CRPS treatment. It is non-invasive and produces results not achievable with other techniques. It gave me hope when other therapies failed,” Dorothy shared.

Why Fascial Counterstrain Therapy Helps CRPS

Fascial Counterstrain therapy works by:

• Reducing pain through gentle positioning of muscles and fascia
• Restoring normal range of motion in affected limbs
• Addressing long-standing musculoskeletal imbalances
• Being non-invasive, safe, and effective even in late-stage CRPS

Conclusion

Although CRPS remains a challenging and sometimes incurable condition, treatments like Fascial Counterstrain therapy provide hope. Dorothy’s story demonstrates that even in advanced CRPS, non-invasive manual therapy can restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve daily function.