What to Expect from Hand Therapy for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

CRPS can make touch, movement, temperature, or pressure feel unusually painful. The therapist assesses sensitivity, swelling, skin changes, strength, range of motion, and how the hand works during daily tasks. Treatment aims to keep the hand involved without provoking a prolonged flare. Techniques may include texture exposure, mirror or visual feedback exercises, tendon and joint movements, positioning, and strategies for settling symptoms.

You may receive a short home programme with comfortable movements and graded use of the hand. Perform it at the agreed pace, recording which activities increase symptoms and how long recovery takes. Avoid forcing a stiff or highly sensitive joint. Use the therapist's advice on swelling control, warmth or cooling, and splint use, since the right choice varies. Learn more about [Hand Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/hand-therapy/).

Contact your clinician if pain suddenly changes, swelling increases quickly, the hand becomes newly pale or blue, or you develop fever or a wound. Tell the therapist if exercises repeatedly cause a flare that lasts longer than expected; the programme may need to be adjusted.

Ask how much discomfort is acceptable during an exercise, which symptoms should prompt a pause, how progress will be measured, and whether an occupational or pain specialist should be involved.