Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Rehabilitation

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a complex neuroimmune condition that most commonly develops following an injury, fracture, surgery, or other trauma to a limb. While the original injury may heal, the body's protective systems can continue responding long after tissues would normally be expected to recover.

CRPS is characterised by persistent pain that appears disproportionate to the original injury, often accompanied by changes in sensation, movement, temperature, circulation, sweating, swelling, skin, hair, or nails. These symptoms are real and reflect changes occurring across multiple interacting body systems.

At Adaptiv Health, we understand that CRPS is far more than a problem of the affected hand, foot, arm, or leg. Contemporary research shows that CRPS involves interactions between the nervous system, immune system, autonomic nervous system, circulation, movement system, and the brain's protective networks. Rather than viewing CRPS as a condition of damaged tissues alone, we approach it as a condition of an overprotective NeuroImmune system.

To help explain this, we introduce patients to NIMMY- our NeuroImmune mascot. NIMMY represents the interconnected systems responsible for protection, healing, and recovery. Most of the time, NIMMY does an incredible job of keeping us safe. In CRPS, however, NIMMY can become stuck in a heightened protective state, producing pain, sensitivity, swelling, movement difficulties, and other symptoms long after the original injury has occurred.

The Science Behind CRPS

Research over the past two decades has transformed our understanding of CRPS.

Studies have demonstrated changes involving:

• Nervous system sensitisation

• Neuroimmune and inflammatory responses

• Circulatory and vasomotor regulation

• Stress and autonomic nervous system function

• Movement and motor control systems

• Body perception and sensory processing

• Neural networks involved in protection and pain modulation

These changes do not mean the body is damaged beyond repair. Rather, they reflect an adaptive system that has become excessively protective.

Importantly, the same neuroplasticity that contributes to CRPS also provides opportunities for recovery.

Our Approach

At Adaptiv Health, rehabilitation is centred around helping the NeuroImmune system become less protective and more adaptable.

We combine contemporary pain science, neuroplasticity principles, movement rehabilitation, education, and psychologically informed care to support recovery.

Depending on individual needs, rehabilitation may include:

• Pain and CRPS education

• Graded movement and loading

• Desensitisation strategies

• Mirror therapy

• Graded Motor Imagery (GMI)

• Sensory retraining

• Functional rehabilitation

• Exercise therapy

• Pacing and flare management

• Sleep and lifestyle optimisation

• Confidence and self-efficacy building

Our goal is not simply to reduce symptoms. Our goal is to help people reconnect with movement, rebuild confidence, increase participation, and regain meaningful function.

Working Alongside Your Medical Team

CRPS often benefits from a coordinated multidisciplinary approach.

At Adaptiv Health, we will work with your GP, pain specialist, rehabilitation physician, neurologist, surgeon, psychologist, and other healthcare providers to ensure rehabilitation is integrated into your broader treatment plan.

We believe the best outcomes occur when patients, families, and healthcare professionals work together towards shared goals.

The RECOSYSTEM, Ecosystem of Recovery

Recovery from CRPS rarely depends on a single treatment.

It occurs within a broader Ecosystem of Recovery or RECOSYSTEM , the network of factors that influence healing, adaptation, and resilience.

This includes:

• The nervous system

• The immune system

• Sleep and recovery

• Stress and emotional wellbeing

• Movement and physical activity

• Family and social support

• Work and daily function

• Healthcare experiences

• Confidence, purpose, and participation

By supporting the entire RECOSYSTEM, we help create the conditions that allow meaningful recovery to occur.

Our Philosophy

Understand what CRPS is and why symptoms occur.

Build confidence, movement, capacity, and resilience.

Change through adaptation, neuroplasticity, and evidence-based rehabilitation.

Because CRPS is not simply a condition of pain.

It is a condition of protection.

And protection can change.

Understand. Build. Change.

Because recovery is not easy, but it is possible.