Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Lymphedema Therapy For The Treatment Of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Sarah Armstrong, Jake Look, L. Fletcher Christie, Roger Allen

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Theory:

This proposal presents the theory that the use of early lymphatic management techniques for patients who suffer from complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) can limit CNS remodeling, preventing progression of the disorder. In absence of high quality evidence, we interviewed multiple lymphedema therapists to assist in the generation of a lymphatic management protocol for use with patients experiencing CRPS-associated pain and edema.

The pathophysiology of CRPS-associated edema is not fully understood. Potential causes may include vasomotor dysregulation or neurogenic inflammation. Regardless of its cause, edema and pain may lead to excessive muscle guarding and kinesiophobia. Targeting edema early may …

The Effectiveness Of Desensitization Therapy For Individuals With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review, Lauryn M. Helmers, Kira L. Donnelly, Olivia M. Verberne, Roger J. Allen

Physical Therapy Research Symposium

Authors: Kira L, Donnelly, SPT; Lauryn M. Helmers, SPT; Olivia M. Verberne, SPT; Roger J. Allen, PT, PhD

Title: The Effectiveness of Desensitization Therapy for Individuals with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Purpose: Systematically review evidence supporting the use of desensitization therapy to treat Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

Subjects: This systematic review evaluated 10 studies from peer-reviewed journals fitting research criteria.

Materials/Methods: Databases were searched between Mar and Aug of 2014 with the following search terms: complex regional pain syndrome, CRPS, allodynia, desensitization, neuropathic pain, physical therapy, tactile desensitization, pressure desensitization, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, capsaicin and somatosensory.

Results: …

Latent Modulation Of Neuropathic Pain Intensity Via Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis Of Psychogenic Stress, Roger J. Allen

All Faculty Scholarship

Background: In patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) delayed pain flares consistently occur ten days following salient psychogenic stress episodes. Timing of latent flares suggests pain modulation via hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis hormones.

Objective: To determine if thyroxine (T₄) may modulate latent stress-related neuropathic pain flare intensity, temporal relationships between daily stress, serum T₄ levels, and perceived pain intensity in patients with CRPS were investigated.

Patients and Methods: Daily, for ten weeks, three patients with type I CRPS and no thyroid pathology Hx provided blood samples for T₄ assay and ratings of stress and pain. Measures …