Feasibility Study of Combined Peripheral Nerve Block and Physiotherapy for CRPS
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I of Upper Limb
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome I of Upper Limb
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Aged 18 years or older
- Meets the Budapest criteria for CRPS of the upper extremity
- Able to consent to treatment.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Allergy to local anesthetic
- Allergy to chlorhexidine
- Infection at site of injection
- Previous treatment of current CRPS with a regional anesthetic technique within 6 months
- Unable to tolerate regional anesthesia or physiotherapy
- Another pain condition that affects the same limb
- Patient refusal or inability to consent.
Sites / Locations
- Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Experimental
Peripheral Nerve Block plus Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy alone
Participants who are randomized to the experimental group (EXP arm) will receive a single-shot axillary brachial plexus block with bupivicaine 0.25% at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre Chronic Pain Clinic (KHSC-CPC). Prior to treatment, the physiotherapist will perform an initial assessment physical exam for clinical purpose (i.e., independent from study assessments). Under the brachial plexus block, the physiotherapist will perform manual therapy. The patient will then complete a 6-week specialized home exercise program, including graded motor imagery.
Participants who are randomized to not receive a block (CON arm) will also return to the KHSC-CPC for an independent assessment by the physiotherapist, followed by manual therapy (not under anesthesia), and then will complete the same 6-week specialized home exercise program, including graded motor imagery.