Can hand therapy treat complex regional pain syndrome?

Hand therapy can help manage complex regional pain syndrome, but it is usually one part of a broader care plan. Treatment is adjusted to pain sensitivity and may focus on gentle movement, reducing avoidance and gradually rebuilding useful hand function.

Complex regional pain syndrome can cause pain that feels disproportionate to touch or movement, along with swelling, stiffness, colour or temperature changes and altered sensation. A hand therapist may use carefully graded motion, sensory retraining, desensitisation, positioning and activity practice. The aim is to keep the hand participating in safe tasks without provoking a prolonged flare. Progress can be gradual, and a programme should be changed when symptoms consistently escalate.

Follow the therapist’s home plan rather than forcing a painful stretch or repeatedly testing strength. Keep a simple record of activities, swelling and symptom response so the team can adjust the dose. Protect the hand from burns and knocks if sensation is altered. Medication, pain care and medical review may be needed alongside therapy; coordinate changes with the clinician managing the syndrome.

Contact the treating team if pain, swelling, stiffness or colour change is worsening, or if therapy leaves you unable to use the hand. Seek urgent care for a new severe injury, rapidly spreading redness with fever, sudden loss of movement, or a hand that becomes markedly cold, pale or blue.

What symptoms should guide the pace of exercises? Which movements or sensations should I practise at home? How will we measure functional progress? Who should I contact during a flare?