Reflex Sympathetic Distrophy ( RSD)

[Danielle K]

Has anyone ever worked with a client with this disorder?
From what I have been reading :" Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), also known as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), is a chronic, painful, and progressive neurological condition that affects skin, muscles, joints, and bones."
seems like I would be able to massage right?
any suggestions on technique? I am thinking light pressure and joint movement maybe some ice or heat in irritated areas..

thanks
kearse

 

[MommaYoga]

RSD is a chronic pain condition of the autonomic nervous system. Dramatic changes occur in the color and tempurature of the skin of the affected area, also intense burning pain, skin sensitivity, sweating and swelling are some of the symptoms.

I haven't worked with this disorder, but from what I was able to find massage should be geared toward relaxation/calming methods. Using techniques that go beyond that may be overtaxing to the nervous system and only serve to aneforum.xxxonize it. Deep tissue is out of the question, problems may result. Be aware of the types of medications the client may be using, many times meds work for only so long and are changed to keep up with the condition. Clients who have this condition also have a tendency to develop osteoporosis, so be aware of the possiblity of development. When the client returns try to keep up with thier medical condition so that massage methods can be adjusted.

Hope this helps.

 

[BestEyeCream]

Hi, I've recently worked with a client with this condition. He's had it for many years. The one thing you shouldn't use any where on the body is ice, as this is very irritating to the sympathetic nervous system. Heat was used on the affected area to try and increase circulation. This gentleman had been using crutches for over 10 years as he had drop foot in the affected leg. He could not tolerate any massage to the affected area. Other than that I worked mostley compensatory structures.

 

[Arly]

thanks

thank you for the insight.. Heat would be better thanks again

 

[Shannon]

My wife had RSD. She is one of the very lucky 1% who go into remission.

RSD is caused by a crushing blow to a hard or foot. It causes the nerves to start constantly send pain. It will start to spread up the limb and eventually to the whole body. Ice is the worst thing you can give a person with RSD.

Depending on what seforum.xxxe he/she is in and if they are having a flair-up will dictate how much you can touch the affected area(s). I used alot of prescription topical pain and muscle relaxers. There were days that I couldn't even breath on her foot and leg. Even the wrong texture of clothing can set off a flairup.

In one years time it had spread from my wifes foot to her lower back. Be for we got her in to an expermental treatment program she was taking 12 oxciconton and 12 flexeral a day and that would take her pain from a 10 down to a 7.

McGill Pain Index will give you an example of how RSD relates to other conditions like chronic back pain, amputation, natural child birth, etc,etc.
http://www.rsdcare.org/McGill%20Pain%20Index.html

The program she was in is going through FDA approvial and has been approved enough to recieve insurance billing codes.

 

[Fish Lover]

This is Alan's wife.

I am currently in remession with RSD. If there are any direct questions you would like to ask me, go for it!! RSD is a very difficult thing to deal with.... In addition to the bone loss, you also have muscle loss because the damage to the nervous system affects circulation. It is important for the person to keep the affected area moving. It will lock up and become usless if you don't, but only gentle movement. I used to soak my foot in warm water and Epsom salt and do range of motion exercises. This helped a lot. When having an "attack" the nerves are so over-reactive, everything is multiplied, the pain can be so intense it is unbelievable.

 

[mIsTy bEeBeE]

I worked with a RSD patient for over a year. Mainly did relaxation massage. Nothing deep and at times could not touch the limb that was affected. I did alot of reflexology and hand massage. Keep them warm as cold really brings out the pain.

Good Luck