Does physiotherapy treat complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome can cause pain that feels disproportionate to an injury, together with sensitivity, swelling, temperature or colour changes, and stiffness in a limb. Physiotherapy is one part of care and should be coordinated with the clinician managing pain and the underlying cause. Early sessions may focus on education, gentle desensitisation, breathing and relaxation, small comfortable movements, and maintaining practical use of the limb. Later work can build strength, walking, reach or hand function in measured steps. Forcing painful movements can worsen a flare, so the plan is adjusted to your response.

Ask for a coordinated assessment if pain, swelling or sensitivity persists after an injury or procedure. Follow the agreed pacing plan and record changes in pain, skin sensitivity, swelling and function rather than judging progress by pain alone. Use the limb gently within the limits set by your care team, and avoid sudden increases in exercise, heat exposure or pressure when these trigger symptoms. Read about [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/).

Seek urgent medical assessment for new chest pain, breathlessness, sudden limb weakness, a cold or unusually pale limb, or rapidly increasing swelling. Contact your care team promptly if skin changes spread, pain escalates sharply, the limb becomes difficult to move, or medication side effects appear. These changes need assessment rather than a stronger home exercise session.

Ask how physiotherapy should coordinate with pain treatment, which symptoms mean the programme is too demanding, and how activity should be paced. Ask whether desensitisation, mirror-based tasks or graded strengthening suit your presentation and what follow-up is planned.