Persistent Pain and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Our hand therapists are trained in the assessment and treatment of persistent pain and CRPS. These conditions are more common after nerve injuries and distal radius fractures but can arise after any injury.
Find one of our hand clinics near you.
We have clinics in Merivale, Papanui, Moorhouse Ave, Halswell and Kaiapoi
Hand therapy for persistent pain and CRPS can include;
Education about what pain is and what factors influence the pain you experience. Because there are lots of things that contribute to pain, there is a lot that you can do to improve it.
Pain management strategies so you have lots of tools to use at home to manage your symptoms.
Comfortable exercises to maintain movement and strength when pain is limiting the use of your hand. You may see your hand therapist often to work through gentle exercises together. All exercises should be performed within your comfort range and together you and your hand therapist will work out the best way to do this.
Graded motor imagery is a combination of different techniques that help your brain and body talk to each other. You may use a mirror box, photo cards or an app, and your own imagination! These activities help modify some of the changes in your body that occur when you are in pain. They help reduce the pain you feel and improve your ability to use your hand.
Desensitisation of your hand and arm to reduce the hypersensitivity and altered sensation that can be present with these conditions.
The optimal treatment of persistent pain and CRPS requires a team approach. We work alongside pain specialists, your GP and other health professionals that may be involved in your care.
Pain and CRPS FAQs
For any more information and to book an appointment please get in touch.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a bigger than usual reaction of the body to injury. After the injury has healed the brain keeps sending pain messages to the body even when you no longer need to protect the injury. The nerves around the injury become a lot more sensitive and your brain pays more attention to the messages coming from that area.
Rehabilitation is very important part in the treatment of CRPS and is most effective when started early. The goal is not always to stop the pain completely but to help you use your hand more normally. It should also help to avoid your joints getting stiff and muscles getting weak through lack of use. Treatment includes; education, pain management strategies, comfortable exercises to maintain movement and strength, graded motor imagery and desensitisation.
Information Sheets
These information sheets include more details about particular conditions and how they are treated.
You are in good hands with our team.
We look forward to working with you and your whanau
Merivale Hand Clinic
Resource hub
Visit our Resource hub for more informative articles and useful factsheets.
Reducing the Incidence of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Distal Radius Fractures
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a common complication of distal radius fractures (DRF), reported in studies as occurring in up to 25% of cases.
Rehabilitation of the Hand, Wrist and Elbow
Contact us if you have any questions
Our team of 12 hand therapists have undergraduate degrees in physiotherapy or occupational therapy and have all completed a post graduate qualification in hand and upper limb therapy. Together we have a total of over 150 years of experience in hand therapy!
