Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy

RSD

RSD stands for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD),  also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), which is a chronic pain condition characterized by severe and prolonged pain, usually in one or more limbs. It is also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), with type 1 (CRPS-I) referring to cases without nerve damage and type 2 (CRPS-II) indicating cases with confirmed nerve injury.

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Some common symptoms of RSD/CRPS include:

• Persistent, intense pain: The pain is often described as burning, stabbing, or throbbing, and it may worsen with movement or touch.

• Changes in skin color and temperature: The affected limb may appear red, blue, or mottled, and it may feel warmer or cooler than the surrounding areas.

• Swelling and stiffness: The limb may become swollen, and the joints may feel stiff and difficult to move.

• Changes in skin texture: The skin may become shiny, thin, or develop a blotchy appearance.

• Abnormal nail and hair growth: Nails may become brittle or grow abnormally, and hair growth may increase or decrease in the affected area.

• Sensory disturbances: Individuals with RSD/CRPS may experience hypersensitivity to touch, temperature, or vibration, as well as numbness or tingling sensations. Soft touch is irritating.

 

The exact cause of RSD/CRPS is not fully understood in the mainstream, but it is obviously related to nerve damage, usually from an accident or from nerve damage in surgery or other injury. 

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Is it wet or dry RSD?

Does it feel DAMP AND COLD?

Some peripheral injury creates inflammation in the nerve and the sympathetic nervous system.  If the limb is COLD and WET, the sympathetics are still connected to the vascular tissue - this is good! This stage usually occurs shortly after the injury, in the earlier stages. 

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At this early stage, response to treatment is usually very efficient. The trick is getting to FSM treatment as soon as possible after the injury, as this is usually the start of a degenerative process.

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Does it feel DRY and hot?

This indicates that the issue has  a deeper treatment and tends to take longer as the body has adapted to the state and there is usually central sensitisation involved.  Treatment takes longer because we want to reach deeper with the treatment, and will have to re-engage the movement proprioception as sensation returns. A feeling of congestion may remain. 

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What was the Original Injury?

for this condition to resolve successfully, the original injury needs to be properly addressed.

Some of the instigating issues may be:

- Disc bulges

- spinal cord irritation

- bone bruises

- fractures, tight cast on a fracture

- needle stick injury

- tetanus shot

- wrist or ankle sprain

- post surgical nerve injury

- anything that causes nerve traction injury or damage

- 3% of blood draws can result in nerve damage leading to this condition

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If chronic regional pain is the symptom, what was the cause? Treating here is important for recovery. 

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Frequency Specific Microcurrent Therapy (FSMT) - a published studies on Nerve Pain

Nerve pain can be the most difficult thing to treat in mainstream medicine, but when it comes to frequencies, we find it one of the easiest things to treat - in my experience and that of all the practitioners who use FSM in a clinical setting. Here is some of the research. 

 

• https://frequencyspecific.com/paper/nonpharmacologic-treatment-of-neuropathic-pain-using-frequency-specific-microcurrent/​

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How can FSM help?

Frequency Specific Microcurrent Therapy (FSMT) utilizes low-level electrical currents to help reduce the pain, inflammation, and nerve irritation associated with shingles. It has been shown to help promote the healing of tissues in the body. In the context of shingles, FSMT can be helpful in managing the symptoms and discomfort associated with the condition, and reducing the time frame of the infection.

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FSMT works by delivering specific frequencies of electrical currents to the affected areas, targeting the nerves and tissues that are undergoing heightened sensitivity and inflammation due to the virus. These targeted frequencies are believed to help normalize cellular activity, reduce nerve hypersensitivity, and promote the body's natural healing processes.

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By applying these specific frequencies, FSM aims to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with shingles, as well as reduce the duration, severity and post-viral phase of the condition. Additionally, it can help improve the overall function of the affected nerves and tissues, supporting the body's ability to recover and heal more effectively.

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It is important to note that FSM should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional experienced in this therapy, as the application of specific frequencies and currents requires expertise and precision to ensure safe and effective treatment. When used appropriately, FSM can be a valuable complementary therapy to help manage the symptoms and promote the healing process for individuals in the context of holistic health management.

 

How is the treatment applied?

The treatment is administered through conduction using warm, damp towels applied to specific areas of the body, such as the nerve origin and end pathway of the affected nerve/s. The current used is sub-perceptible, operating at frequencies below the threshold of human perception, so won't feel them. Clients lie down on the massage table after their Naturopathic interview, and can drift off as FSM is applied, it can be quite a relaxing experience. 

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How many sessions? 

As with any condition, the sooner you seek treatment when symptoms arise, the better we can support the body's healing process. When it comes to shingles, FSM research has found that when applied for two hours in the acute phase, the pain goes by the end of the session, and complications are reduced.  Once a condition has been in place for a while, nerve damage and tissue damage can become more entrenched, and can take longer to treat, but even then, the body can suprise us with it's ability to self-heal when the treatment plan is just right. 

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Holistic Support

Alongside your FSM, your practitioner will put together a Naturopathic program to support your recovery. 

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Sessions with Monica

Monica has been working holistically to help people regain their health for over 25 years. If you are seeing other specialists, working holistically can enhance the benefits of everything you are doing, Monica works alongside chiropractors, osteopaths, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and medical care. or you can see her as the first port of call for a holistic assessment and prognostic evaluation. 

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Book a free15 chat to see if we can help you feel better sooner.