Trigger Point Therapy - CRPS1

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that usually occurs after a trauma or injury to one of your limbs

The cause of CPRS is believed to be due to the malfunction of or damage to the peripheral and central nervous system (CNS) or perhaps even the blood supplies to the nerves themselves.

The CNS comprises the spinal cord and brain whereas the peripheral nervous system brings nerve signalling from the spinal cord and brain to the rest of the body.

There are two types: CRPS I and CRPS II. Both have similar symptoms and treatments but patients with confirmed nerve injuries are said to have CRPS II. Here we focus on CRPS1 - for the upper extremity.

Symptoms of CRPS include extreme and ongoing pain and mild or unusual changes in skin colour, temperature and sometimes swelling in the affected area and pins and needles.

These symptoms in your hands and arms can be extremely debilitating; that constant unyielding burning pain, the aching cramp in your fingers and knuckles, the stiffness in the morning, the cold/clammy feeling.

Trigger Point Therapy

CRPS I can manifest for a number of reasons including occupational and/or historic trauma.

Whatever the cause, your body wants to protect you. One of the observations thousands of physical therapists have found is that when you have CRPS I several key neck muscles become stiff - these muscles can’t extend to their full capacity.

This leads to a type of ‘muscular frustration’ and to the development of trigger points, typically in the upper trapezius, scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, platysma, and subclavius muscles. 

Trigger points in these muscles cause them to be shorter, tighter and tenser, and they also add to the cycle of increased input to your peripheral and central nervous system.

The really good news that treating these trigger points, when combined with stretching, can often provide both short and long term relief. 

So, if you're suffering with CPRS, ask your therapist or doctor about trigger points!

Judith Winer accepting the "Excellence in Education" award on behalf of Team NAT at the 33rd Annual NAMTPT Conference, Chicago, 10/2017 

This trigger point therapy blog is intended to be used for information purposes only and is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment or to substitute for a medical diagnosis and/or treatment rendered or prescribed by a physician or competent healthcare professional. This information is designed as educational material, but should not be taken as a recommendation for treatment of any particular person or patient. Always consult your physician if you think you need treatment or if you feel unwell.