CRPS Management Course

Lesson 1 • Psychological and Genetic Predispositions

Identifies biopsychosocial risk factors and genetic markers associated with CRPS vulnerability. Prepares clinicians to screen high-risk patients proactively.

Lesson 2 • Autonomic and Immune System Involvement

Details sympathetic dysregulation, autoimmune hypotheses, and cytokine profiles in CRPS. Connects immune and autonomic dysfunction to observable vasomotor symptoms.

Lesson 3 • Defining CRPS and Its Subtypes

Distinguishes CRPS Type I from Type II and clarifies diagnostic boundaries. Provides the conceptual baseline required for all subsequent clinical reasoning.

Lesson 4 • Central Sensitization and Neuroplasticity

Covers spinal and supraspinal amplification of pain signals and cortical reorganization. Explains why CRPS pain persists beyond initial injury resolution.

Lesson 1 • Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Testing

Reviews the role and limitations of bone scintigraphy, MRI, thermography, and blood panels. Guides appropriate test ordering to support rather than replace clinical diagnosis.

Lesson 2 • Differential Diagnosis Strategies

Distinguishes CRPS from mimicking conditions including neuropathies, vascular disorders, and inflammatory arthritis. Reduces misdiagnosis rates through systematic exclusion.

Lesson 3 • Structured Physical Examination

Teaches a reproducible head-to-toe exam sequence targeting CRPS-specific findings. Ensures consistent data collection across clinical encounters.

Lesson 4 • Validated Pain and Function Scales

Introduces standardised instruments for quantifying pain intensity, disability, and quality of life. Enables outcome tracking and treatment benchmarking.

Lesson 1 • Anti-inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Agents

Reviews corticosteroids, bisphosphonates, and intravenous immunoglobulin for acute and refractory CRPS. Connects immune pathophysiology to targeted pharmacological intervention.

Lesson 2 • Neuropathic Pain Medications

Covers gabapentinoids, tricyclic antidepressants, and SNRIs with dosing and titration guidance. Directly targets the central sensitisation mechanisms established in Chapter 1.

Lesson 3 • Topical and Local Pharmacotherapy

Examines lidocaine patches, capsaicin, and compounded topical agents for localised symptom control. Offers low-systemic-risk options suitable for polypharmacy patients.

Lesson 4 • Opioid Prescribing and Risk Mitigation

Addresses the limited evidence for opioids in CRPS and frameworks for safe prescribing when indicated. Prepares clinicians to balance pain relief with misuse prevention.

Lesson 1 • Strengthening and Range-of-Motion Programmes

Designs progressive resistance and flexibility protocols adapted to CRPS pain sensitivity. Restores functional capacity while minimising symptom exacerbation.

Lesson 2 • Desensitisation and Graded Exposure

Teaches tactile desensitisation hierarchies and graded exposure to feared movements. Reduces allodynia and fear-avoidance behaviors identified during assessment.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Graded Motor Imagery

Introduces the three-stage GMI protocol: laterality recognition, motor imagery, and mirror therapy. Targets cortical reorganisation identified in Chapter 1 through structured neuroplasticity exercises.

Lesson 4 • Occupational Therapy and ADL Restoration

Covers adaptive equipment, ergonomic modification, and task analysis for daily living activities. Translates rehabilitation gains into real-world functional independence.

Lesson 1 • Pain Neuroscience Education

Teaches clinicians to deliver structured PNE sessions that reconceptualise pain as a brain output. Reduces threat perception and improves engagement with active rehabilitation.

Lesson 2 • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Introduces ACT processes of psychological flexibility, values clarification, and defusion. Provides an alternative framework for patients unresponsive to traditional CBT.

Lesson 3 • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Covers MBSR protocol delivery, including body scan, breath awareness, and mindful movement. Reduces pain-related distress and improves self-regulation capacity.

Lesson 4 • Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Chronic Pain

Applies CBT techniques including cognitive restructuring and behavioural activation to CRPS. Directly addresses catastrophising and fear-avoidance identified as risk factors in Chapter 1.

Lesson 1 • Sympathetic Nerve Blocks

Covers stellate ganglion and lumbar sympathetic block indications, technique, and evidence. Builds on autonomic pathophysiology from Chapter 1 to justify sympatholytic interventions.

Lesson 2 • Intravenous Regional Anaesthesia

Explains Bier block variants using guanethidine, bretylium, or phentolamine for upper-limb CRPS. Provides a procedural alternative when systemic medications are insufficient.

Lesson 3 • Spinal Cord Stimulation Fundamentals

Introduces SCS mechanism, trial phase, and permanent implantation criteria for refractory CRPS. Prepares clinicians to counsel patients and coordinate with implanting specialists.

Lesson 4 • Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems

Reviews intrathecal pump indications, drug options, and complication management for severe CRPS. Addresses cases where oral and interventional approaches have failed.

Lesson 1 • Patient and Family Education

Designs structured education programmes for patients and caregivers covering CRPS mechanisms and self-management. Improves adherence and reduces caregiver burden.

Lesson 2 • Care Coordination Across Settings

Addresses transitions between acute, outpatient, and community care for CRPS patients. Prevents care gaps that lead to symptom relapse and unnecessary hospitalisation.

Lesson 3 • Roles Within the Pain Management Team

Maps the contributions of physicians, psychologists, physiotherapists, and nurses in CRPS care. Establishes shared role clarity as the foundation for effective team function.

Lesson 4 • Outcome Measurement and Quality Improvement

Implements team-level outcome tracking using standardised metrics and audit cycles. Drives continuous improvement in CRPS programme effectiveness.

Lesson 1 • Chronic Pain and Disability Navigation

Guides clinicians through disability assessment, vocational rehabilitation, and return-to-work planning. Addresses the socioeconomic consequences of long-term CRPS disability.

Lesson 2 • Palliative and Long-Term Supportive Care

Applies palliative care principles to severe, irreversible CRPS with a focus on quality of life. Equips clinicians to shift goals of care when cure is no longer achievable.

Lesson 3 • Defining and Assessing Refractory CRPS

Establishes criteria for labelling CRPS refractory and reassessing prior treatment adequacy. Prevents premature escalation and ensures all standard options are optimised first.

Lesson 4 • Combination and Sequential Therapy Protocols

Designs multimodal regimens that sequence pharmacological, interventional, and rehabilitative treatments. Maximises synergistic effects while managing cumulative adverse event risk.