Efficacy of Strain Counterstrain Techniques in the Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome: A Detailed Case Study of a 42-Year-Old Female Patient

Abstract

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a challenging condition associated with severe pain and functional impairment. This case study provides an in-depth examination of the treatment of a 42-year-old female diagnosed with CRPS following a traumatic injury to her left hand. The treatment protocol employed strain counterstrain techniques, followed by progressive resistive exercises (PRE) aimed at restoring functional capacity in the hand. Over a three-month period, the patient received weekly physical therapy sessions, with the treatment plan adjusted at the six-week mark to include PRE. Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, focusing on pain levels, grip strength, and range of motion. The results indicated a significant reduction in pain from 8/10 to 2/10 on the Numerical Rating Pain Scale (NPRS) and an improvement in grip strength from 5 kg to 28 kg. The patient’s active range of motion also improved, and there was a noticeable reduction in muscle atrophy and swelling. These findings suggest that strain counterstrain, in combination with PRE, can be an effective intervention for CRPS. This case study contributes to the limited body of research on physical therapy interventions for CRPS and highlights the need for further studies to explore the broader applicability of these techniques.