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This month is CRPS awareness month we're going to go... into the lesser known things about CRPS.
Basically, you get to nerd out with me this month AND get some useful education + treatment tips.
PLUS -- I have something very special coming at the end of this month. It's something I have been working on to help you grow in your skillset to help more people with CRPS (and centralized pain).
CRPS Lesser Known Fact #1 -- People with CRPS can develop Osteoporosis in their affected limb.
This is very important, especially if you are in a position where you can progress someone to higher level sports that might require high impact...
OR you want to do more hands on therapy with someone...
OR maybe they're a falls risk ...
You really need to factor in possible osteoporosis.
More about Osteoporosis in CRPS
- The osteoporosis in CRPS is typically worse in the affected body part and is described as "patchy osteoporosis".
- People with chronic CRPS typically have evidence of more bone loss than those more recently diagnosed.
- There is also evidence of possible systemic changes in bone density.
Why does this happen?
- It could be partially due to disuse -- although this isn't really seen as the main reason
- There are immune system changes/local inflammation that possibly cause favoring of bone loss/absorption
- It's possible that nervous system changes in the ANS may also drive some of these changes towards bone breakdown
- Changes in the vascular system may be at play with hypoxia as a possible reason
What should you do about it?
- First, just be aware!
- Screen for it: Ask your client if they have had x-rays or bone density scans recently to know what their bone health is like
- If you're concerned or feel that someone may have had a fracture (this is not their usual CRPS flaring), then of course refer!
There isn't much research right now related to physical therapy treatment of osteoporosis in CRPS, but based on the mechanisms -- focusing on nervous system regulation, continuing to get your client more physically active, and working with their medical team would be great places to start.
Check out this systematic review to learn more about osteoporosis in CRPS.
This resource shows the boney changes in people with CRPS
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Have a great week,
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Brittany Kim
๐ฅ the CRPS PT
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PS. this is not medical advice, this resource is meant to serve as clinical education for healthcare professionals
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