What is stress loading for CRPS?

Stress loading is comprised of two components: scrubbing and carrying. Each component engages the affected extremity in consistent weight bearing activities within a small range of movement for gradually increasing periods of time. These activities “load” the affected joints or extremity.

How do you reduce swelling from CRPS?

Therapies

1. Heat therapy. Applying heat may offer relief of swelling and discomfort on skin that feels cool.
2. Topical analgesics.
3. Physical or occupational therapy.
4. Mirror therapy.
5. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
6. Biofeedback.
7. Spinal cord stimulation.
8. Intrathecal drug pumps.

How is CRPS treated in occupational therapy?

Occupational therapists usually are responsible for introducing and maintaining a stress-loading program for patients with CRPS. This program involves active compression and distraction exercises that provide stimuli to the affected extremity without joint motion. The scrubbing technique requires use of a scrub brush.

How is the stress loading program used in therapy?

The stress loading program is the only home program given and the only treatment modality used in supervised therapy sessions until the pain begins to subside. This allows the patient to concentrate their efforts on the program and avoids posible increase in severity of symptoms from other modalities of treatment.

What to take home from stress loading therapy?

A record sheet is given to the patient to take home and record the duration of each session. The patient is told to carry a briefcase or purse in the affected hand, with the arm extended. The amount of weight is the maximum tolerated by the patient.

How is stress loading used to treat hand pain?

This program may be incorporated into the treatment of any patient with a mechanically stable hand whose condition is clearly more painful and swollen than the average patient after surgery or trauma. Stress Loading consists of two principles: scrubbing and carrying.

How is stress loading used to treat reflex sympathetic dystrophy?

Stress loading refers to a specific set of exercizes intended to improve the clinical course of patients who suffer from reflex sympathetic dystrophy. The following program has been adapted from H. Kirk Watson and Lois Carlson: Treatment of reflex sympathetic dystrophy of the hand with an active stress loading program, J Hand Surg 1987;12A:779-785.