Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS)

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSDS) is a very rare disorder of the sympathetic nervous system that is characterized by severe pain. RSDS is also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. RSDS occurs when the nervous system and the immune system malfunction from injury to the nerves, trauma, surgery, infections, radiation therapy, atherosclerotic, or cardiovascular disease. The pain is more severe than the original trauma. RSDS should be treated as soon as possible by your physical therapist. At Park Physical Therapy, our hands on treatment with patients will help you get out of pain and on the road to recovery.

RSDS often starts with a burning pain, stiffness, extreme sensitivity, and discomfort in the arms, fingers, the palm of the hands, shoulders, or one or both legs knees, or hips. The skin over the affected area becomes inflamed and sensitive to touch and temperature. The skin will turn pale with a blue coloration because of lack blood supply to the area. Over time, the pain will become worse, you will become weaker, and your range of motion will become more restricted.

The related disorders of RSDS are Erythromelalgia, Thalamic Syndrome, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, and Peripheral neuropathy. The symptoms of each of these disorders can be similar to RSDS and should also be treated by your physical therapists as soon as possible to prevent further pain.

RSDS needs to be diagnosed early on, so treatment can begin immediately. Early treatment ensures a more effective road to recovery. Failure to treat RSDS can lead the pain to become more severe over time. At Park Physical Therapy, our therapist gives the individual attention each patient needs to recover and be pain-free. Our state of the art facility and highly trained therapists will ensure you and safe and reliable rehabilitation process. Don’t wait to treat RSDS, see us today and we’ll bring you back to your pain-free state.