Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Treatment in Perth (Malaga & Noranda)

Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and graded rehabilitation for persistent limb pain

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a persistent pain condition that most commonly affects a limb (arm or leg), often after an injury, surgery, or period of immobilisation. Symptoms can include pain that feels disproportionate to the original injury, as well as changes in swelling, skin colour/temperature, and movement. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide evidence-informed rehabilitation focused on improving function, movement confidence, and day-to-day participation, alongside your GP/specialist pain team.

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

CRPS is a chronic pain condition that usually develops in a limb after an injury or trauma. It is thought to involve an abnormal response of the nervous system, which can lead to ongoing pain and sensitivity, plus changes in skin, swelling and movement. CRPS can significantly affect quality of life, mobility, daily activities, and emotional wellbeing.

Important: CRPS diagnosis and medical management are led by your GP and/or specialist. Allied health focuses on function, rehabilitation strategies, and practical supports.

Common symptoms of CRPS

Symptoms vary between individuals and over time. Common symptoms can include:

Pain and sensory changes

• Severe, burning or persistent pain

• Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature (allodynia/hyperalgesia)

• Pain flares with movement or light contact

Swelling and skin changes

• Swelling and shiny/tight skin

• Changes in skin colour (pale, blotchy, red, or bluish)

• Temperature changes (hot or cold compared to the other side)

• Changes in sweating (more or less than usual)

Movement and functional changes

• Reduced range of motion and stiffness

• Difficulty using the limb (gripping, walking, loading)

• Weakness and reduced endurance

• Changes in hair/nail growth or skin texture (in some cases)

If you have rapidly worsening symptoms, severe swelling with fever, or significant new neurological changes, seek medical review promptly.

How CRPS is diagnosed

CRPS is typically diagnosed using a combination of medical history and clinical examination. There is no single definitive test. A clinician may use recognised criteria such as the Budapest Criteria and may request investigations to rule out other causes. Imaging may sometimes be used to support differential diagnosis rather than “confirm” CRPS directly.

How Palms can help (rehabilitation focus)

CRPS management often works best with a multidisciplinary approach that combines medical oversight with rehabilitation. At Palms, therapy is tailored to your stage, symptoms, and goals, with a focus on gradual, safe progression rather than forcing painful movement.

Physiotherapy for CRPS

Physiotherapy aims to help you restore movement, rebuild confidence in using the limb, and improve day-to-day function.

Physiotherapy may include

• Gentle, graded movement and mobility work

• Functional strengthening and loading progression (at a tolerable pace)

• Desensitisation strategies (graded exposure to touch and movement)

• Mirror therapy and/or graded motor imagery approaches when clinically appropriate

• Education on pacing, flare planning, and safe activity progression

• Strategies to reduce protective movement patterns that increase disability over time

Our goal is to help you do more with less flare-up risk, using a plan that is realistic and sustainable.

Occupational therapy for CRPS

Occupational therapy supports participation in daily tasks when pain and sensitivity affect independence.

OT may support

• Task modification and pacing for daily routines (home, work, study)

• Desensitisation and functional hand/arm strategies (when upper limb affected)

• Equipment or environmental supports where clinically indicated

• Strategies to reduce over-protection while maintaining safety and function

Exercise Physiology for CRPS (when appropriate)

Some people benefit from exercise physiology input for broader conditioning and graded reconditioning—especially if deconditioning and reduced tolerance have developed over time. Programs are carefully dosed and progressed to avoid “boom–bust” cycles.

Exercise Physiology: https://www.palmsphysiotherapy.com.au/services/exercise-physiology

Working alongside your medical/pain team

CRPS care often involves medical input (GP, specialist pain services). Some medical interventions may be discussed by your treating team (e.g., medication options, nerve blocks, neuromodulation). Our role is to support the rehabilitation side—function, movement confidence, and daily participation—while coordinating with your medical team where appropriate and with your consent.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a cure for CRPS?

There is no single cure for CRPS, but early recognition and a comprehensive treatment approach can help manage symptoms and improve function and quality of life.

Can physiotherapy make CRPS worse?

Rehab needs to be graded carefully. Overdoing exercise or pushing through severe flares can aggravate symptoms. Our approach prioritises pacing, tolerance-based progression, and reducing fear and sensitivity over time.

What if I can’t tolerate touch or movement?

This is common in CRPS. We can start with very gentle strategies (e.g., graded exposure, mirror therapy) and build from there, focusing on safety and small wins.

Our Mobile Therapy Services

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we can assist in the management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a chronic pain condition typically affecting the arms or legs after an injury. 

Our multidisciplinary team of experienced physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and exercise physiologists work together to provide individualised care plans designed to alleviate pain, improve function, and restore mobility. Utilising advanced therapies such as graded motor imagery, desensitization techniques, and tailored exercise rehabilitation, we aim to reduce CRPS symptoms and enhance your quality of life. 

Our holistic approach incorporates not only physical treatments but also support for mental well-being, ensuring you receive comprehensive care for long-term recovery. Reach out to Palms Physiotherapy to learn how we can help manage CRPS and regain control of your life.

External Resources for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) in Australia

For further information and support regarding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), consider these Australian resources:

• Pain Australia – https://www.painaustralia.org.au – A national organization that provides support, advocacy, and education on chronic pain conditions, including CRPS.

• CRPS Australia – https://www.crps-australia.com – A dedicated resource offering information and support specifically for those living with CRPS.

• The Australian Pain Management Association – https://www.painmanagement.org.au – Provides resources for managing chronic pain conditions, including CRPS, and connects patients to healthcare providers.

• Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) – https://www.racgp.org.au – Offers information on the diagnosis and management of CRPS and other pain-related disorders.

Important disclaimer: This webpage contains general information only and is not intended to be relied upon as personal clinical advice. While we aim to keep information accurate and up to date, it may not reflect the most current research or your individual circumstances. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health does not accept liability for decisions made based on this information without an individualised assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional. If you have concerns, please contact us to book an assessment or speak with your GP/medical team.