If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with CRPS, acupuncture can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve joint movement, and help you have a better life.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Definition:
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and other symptoms in an area of the body. Arms and legs are commonly affected. CRPS symptoms typically appear four to six weeks following an injury or inciting event, such as a fracture, crush injury, sprain, surgery, or even a stroke. CRPS is suspected if symptoms last longer than expected in recovering from a specific injury.Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Causes:
What causes CRPS is unknown but is thought to involve triggering of inflammatory pathways in the body leading to the chronic pain.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Symptoms:
Symptoms of CRPS: pain, change in the senses, motor impairment, swelling of the distal limbs, and being sensitive to touch, hot or cold.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Treatments:
How acupuncture can help with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome:
Acupuncture is known to reduce pain and may also be effective in treating CRPS. Acupuncture works to stimulate blood flow and reduces pain and inflammation.
What does the research say?
In a 2012 study reported in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the effect of acupuncture in treating those with shoulder/hand syndrome (similar to CRPS but specific to those who have suffered a stroke and then been diagnosed with symptoms of CRPS), was found in addition to massage therapy to improve upper limb function better than traditional rehabilitation therapies. The study also found that acupuncture can alleviate pain, increase range of motion, and improve overall quality of life.
If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with CRPS, acupuncture can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve joint movement, and help you have a better life.
Sources:
Uptodate, 2016
Li N., et al. Therapeutic effect of acupuncture and massage for shoulder-hand syndrome in hemiplegia patients: a clinical two-center randomized controlled trial. J Tradit Chin Med. 2012 Sep:32(3):343-9.
Dr. Ellie Heintze, ND, LAc, is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist in Bothell, WA at her practice Starting Point Acupuncture. She is a pain specialist, seeing people who suffer from chronic pain, migraines, as well as digestive issues. Offering pain relief injections, acupuncture, and nutrition consults. Most insurances accepted. Dr. Ellie Heintze is also the author of the book, A Starting Point Guide to Going Gluten-Free on Amazon. As the director of the nonprofit, The Pain Relief Project, she also offers sliding scale, low-cost care for those on Medicare or uninsured.
