Physical Therapy for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can feel overwhelming, especially when traditional treatment approaches fail to bring relief. Physical therapy for CRPS at PD Rehab is different from standard care. Instead of pushing through pain or relying only on symptom suppression, we focus on calming the nervous system and restoring safe movement. At PD Rehab in Mount Prospect, IL, we help patients from across the Chicago suburbs manage CRPS with gentle, non-invasive physical therapy tailored to pain sensitivity, nervous system regulation, and individual functional limitations.
CRPS involves heightened nervous system reactivity. For this reason, treatment must be precise and carefully paced. Early physical therapy plays a key role in preventing long-term complications and loss of function.
Understanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a chronic pain condition that often develops after injury, surgery, fracture, or prolonged immobilization. It usually affects one limb, such as an arm, leg, hand, or foot. Pain intensity often exceeds what would be expected based on the original injury.
CRPS affects how the nervous system processes pain. As a result, patients may experience burning or throbbing pain, swelling, stiffness, temperature changes, and extreme sensitivity to touch. Over time, these symptoms can limit movement and weaken muscles. Without appropriate care, CRPS may worsen and significantly impact daily life.
Early recognition matters. Timely physical therapy can reduce symptom severity and help protect long-term function.
For a detailed medical overview of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, you can also refer to trusted clinical resources such as the Cleveland Clinic.
Physical Therapy for CRPS
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome therapy focuses on reducing pain sensitivity and restoring movement in a safe, controlled way. At PD Rehab, we use Fascial Counterstrain, an advanced manual therapy method that helps calm the nervous system, improve circulation, and reduce tissue strain. This gentle approach allows patients with CRPS to progress without triggering pain flare-ups.
Therapeutic exercises play an important role in CRPS treatment. We carefully select and pace exercises to maintain mobility, prevent muscle wasting, and gradually rebuild strength and coordination. When appropriate, we may also use complementary modalities such as cold laser therapy to support nervous system regulation and promote the body’s natural healing processes.
Early intervention matters in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. When physical therapy begins in the early stages of CRPS, it can help limit symptom progression and significantly reduce pain and dysfunction. CRPS affects every aspect of daily life. To see how individualized physical therapy can help, read the personal story of our patient and her journey living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
In our clinical practice, early physical therapy often makes a meaningful difference. We have treated patients who developed early CRPS symptoms after surgery or prolonged immobilization, such as an overly tight cast. With gentle, targeted care using Fascial Counterstrain and nervous system–focused therapy, symptoms improved significantly and, in some cases, resolved before the condition progressed. Find out more about treatment option on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions about CRPS
What is CRPS?
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a chronic, neuropathic pain condition that typically affects an arm or a leg following an injury, surgery, or trauma. It is characterized by prolonged or excessive pain and changes in skin color, temperature, and/or swelling in the affected area. CRPS is thought to result from a central or peripheral nervous system dysfunction.
What is Fascial Counterstrain?
Fascial Counterstrain is an advanced manual therapy technique used in physical therapy to release tension and inflammation in the fascial system, which surrounds muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and organs. It is a gentle, hands-on approach that involves identifying tender points to relieve strain in the nervous, musculoskeletal, visceral, and vascular systems. This technique helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, reduce pain, and restore normal tissue function.
Is CRPS a Disability?
Yes, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome can be considered a disability if symptoms such as severe chronic pain, loss of function, and mobility limitations interfere with an individual’s ability to work or perform daily activities. In many cases, patients with CRPS qualify for disability benefits when functional impairment is medically documented and long-lasting.
How is CRPS Treated?
How Can a Physical Therapist Help CRPS?
A physical therapist plays a vital role in managing CRPS by creating a customized rehabilitation plan to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance function. Therapies may include gentle range-of-motion exercises, Fascial Counterstrain, neuromuscular re-education, and sensory desensitization. These interventions are designed to normalize the autonomic nervous system and prevent secondary complications like muscle wasting and joint stiffness.
Differences in CRPS Type 1 and Type 2
CRPS Type 1 occurs without confirmed nerve damage, usually after minor injuries or immobilization. CRPS Type 2, on the other hand, is associated with a documented peripheral nerve injury. Both types present with intense burning pain, hypersensitivity, swelling, and autonomic symptoms, but nerve injury is the distinguishing factor.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you are struggling with CRPS, our physical therapy specialists in Mount Prospect, IL can help you move forward. We work with patients throughout the Chicago area to provide gentle, personalized CRPS treatment focused on pain reduction and functional recovery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.