CRPS or chronic regional pain syndrome (formerly known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy or RSD) is a progressive condition that involves the autonomic nervous system.  

People suffering from CRPS experience an uncommon form of chronic pain. This pain is characterized as constant, extremely intense, and usually out of proportion from the original injury. Aside from the pain, people with CRPS also complain of extreme sensitivity, swelling, and skin changes. It typically affects one or more of the four limbs but can spread and affect any part of the body. 

There are two different types of CRPS – Type 1 and Type 2.  

Type 1 CRPS often occurs following an injury or illness that didn't have a direct effect on the nerve of the affected limb. About 90 percent of CRPS cases are of this type. 

Type 2 CRPS, on the other hand, occurs following a condition that directly affects/causes injury on the nerve.  

Physicians often recommend CRPS exercises and medication to combat CRPS symptoms. Coupled with a healthy diet, individuals with this chronic condition find relief from the symptoms.  

CRPS exercises are recommended to be done only under the guidance of a therapist who has worked with CRPS patients. An experienced therapist can show the patient the proper techniques of performing these exercises, preventing patients from sustaining injuries or from doing too much.  

Patients often start with aqua therapy and then eventually transitioning to land-based forms of exercises.  

When done correctly, gentle CRPS exercises such as Tai Chi and restorative/therapeutic yoga can help in alleviating the pain and other CRPS symptoms.  

Aside from CRPS exercises, patients with this debilitating condition also experience relief through using compression garments. These garments have shown to help in alleviating the swelling. 

Bioflect therapy garments provide an effective therapeutic relief for your CRPS pain and swelling. It makes use of infrared technology that helps in healing the body. 

Image: stevepb via Pixabay