When is physiotherapy recommended for complex regional pain syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome can involve pain, sensitivity to touch, swelling, skin-temperature or colour changes, and stiffness in an affected limb. Avoiding all movement may increase weakness and loss of function, while pushing through a flare can make participation harder. A physiotherapist familiar with persistent pain can begin with desensitisation, breathing or relaxation strategies, gentle range-of-motion work, and carefully graded use of the limb. The programme is adjusted to the response of your nervous system and your daily goals.

Ask for an assessment early when pain or sensitivity is limiting walking, hand use, dressing, or sleep. Bring details about triggers, swelling, skin changes, and what happens after activity. Home practice may involve brief, frequent movements, sensory exposure using comfortable textures, and gradual functional tasks. Keep activity within an agreed tolerance and report a sustained flare, new difficulty moving, or a marked change in swelling so the plan can be modified.

Contact a clinician promptly for sudden worsening swelling, a cold or pale limb, new weakness, loss of sensation, severe colour change, fever, or a wound that is red or draining. Chest pain or unexpected breathlessness needs emergency care. These signs may have causes beyond the pain syndrome and should not be managed by exercise alone.

Ask which movements are appropriate now, how a flare will be handled, and how physiotherapy fits with pain, nerve, or psychological support. Clarify the warning signs that require reassessment and how function—not only pain intensity—will be tracked.