Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Common Symptoms

• Severe pain in a limb that is out of proportion to the original injury
• Changes in skin temperature, color, or sweating in the affected area
• Swelling, changes in hair or nail growth, or skin texture changes
• Heightened sensitivity to touch, temperature, or movement
• Stiffness, weakness, or reluctance to use the affected limb

What May Contribute

CRPS reflects a complex interplay between the original injury and the broader nervous system response.

• An initial injury or surgical event, sometimes a relatively minor one
• Periods of immobilization or reduced use of the limb
• Pre-existing pain or nervous system sensitivity
• Sleep, stress, and overall recovery capacity
• Fear, uncertainty, or care that focused only on the original tissue

How Form and Function Approaches This

CRPS care needs to be both careful and progressive. We work to lower the overall load on the system, gradually reintroduce movement, and coordinate closely with your medical team.

• A thorough mechanical and functional assessment to identify what is driving symptoms
• A care plan that may combine hands-on care, movement, education, and recovery strategies based on your presentation
• Clear reasoning at each step, so you understand what we are doing and why
• Coordination with medical providers when imaging, medication, or specialist input would be helpful

Read more about our overall approach to care.

Treatment Options May Include

• Education about CRPS and what helps the nervous system settle
• Graded movement and use of the affected limb within tolerance
• Sensory and motor strategies to reduce nervous system reactivity
• Hands-on care that respects current sensitivity
• Sleep, stress, and recovery strategies for an overactive pain system
• Coordination with pain medicine, primary care, or mental health when helpful

How This Condition Is Commonly Diagnosed

CRPS is diagnosed clinically, usually by a physician, based on a recognized pattern of features.

• History of the original event and how symptoms have evolved
• Examination including sensory, motor, and autonomic features
• Recognized clinical criteria such as the Budapest criteria
• Coordination with a physician for diagnosis and broader medical management

Expected Recovery and Prognosis

CRPS varies widely between people. Early, structured care that combines movement and medical input tends to support the best outcomes.

Progress is usually gradual and non-linear. Many people experience meaningful improvement over months, with continued gains over longer time frames.

Related Conditions

• Central Sensitization
• Chronic Pain Syndromes

Related Services

• Limb & Pain Evaluation
• Movement-Based Rehabilitation
• Chiropractic Care

When Symptoms May Require Emergency Medical Evaluation

• Sudden or progressive weakness
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Numbness in the groin or saddle region
• Fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss
• Severe trauma or suspected fracture
• Persistent night pain or rapidly worsening symptoms
• Shortness of breath, chest pain, or other non-musculoskeletal symptoms
• Symptoms that are severe, spreading, or not improving as expected

These symptoms are uncommon, but they can indicate conditions that may require urgent medical evaluation. If you are unsure whether your symptoms fit this category, Form and Function can help guide appropriate next steps or referrals when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions