[jrzgirl1]

I was wondering if anyone has tried using a hot tub/jacuzzi/pool for pain relief in for their body, I know that cold really make it worse but what about the above. My feet,hand and back are the worst,I try to walk everyday but I can only wear sneakers for 4 hrs the most and still there is pain when I do. Going to the grocery store/stores . I still have so much pain in my feet. all suggestions welcome. Still not sleeping, it is 4am and I am up, the pain is an 8, crying is all I do.
God Bless

[meglaser]

I do know when I first got this disease and my bone kept coming apart every time I went to walk, the foot doctor (when he realized I had this dreaded disease as the limb was turning black and ice cold), he sent me to therapy. The therapy was all water therapy. When it was completed my bone was completely knited together and i could start to walk at very slow pace (that was an awful spring and summer). I would check with your doctor but it prob. would not hurt as long as the tempatures are not too drasti c.

meg

[Lacrosse05]

I have found great success in water therapy, so from my personal experience I highly recommend it. I have RSD in both legs and have extremely limited mobility, but exercises which induce great pain on land, feel simple and easy in the water, it sounds crazy but I don't care because it works. I used to exercise everyday prior to this, and not having been able to for 2+ years certainly aided in my depression. I have been able to regain my active life, even if it is limited to the pool, but my mental health alone has certainly improved. I'm also building up my muscle strength and increasing circulation which is definitely beneficial to healing.

I go to the Burdenko Institute in Bedford, MA. I don't know where you live but I would defintely look into water therapy, the worst it could do is not help, which doesn't sound that bad.

Good Luck... I focus on my breathing when the pain is unbearable... might help. :)

[Bussey]

Hello jrzgirl1,

From my experiences, heat of any kind, has always been helpful to me. In 2005, when I was in a rehab hospital for a month, water therapy was not used at that facility. I still regret not having had the opportunity to receive water therapy, to help with the debilitation and immobility, which was caused by the RSD.

As always, before doing anything new, I would suggest that you consult with your Dr. I would be very surprised if he did not agree to, at least, give it a try.

Bussey

[reruho]

My OT told me to always to warm the joint up before attemping any stretching. The heat increases the blood flow into the region and that blood flow helps with healing.

I agree with Bussey, check with your doctor before doing this. There may be no problems and then there may be some restrictions he wants you to abide with. Examples of restrictions could be the temperature, the amount of time in the warm water, or the frequency of the use of the tub, among other things.

Reta

[puckster5]

hi

i have rsd in my right hand. im constantly running it under hot water when i get the burning feeling. it gives some relief if only but for a short time. also the warmer weather seems to help right now. im dreading the winter months.

[Bussey]

Hi puckster5,

When I was in the rehab hospital, after showering, I would linger in the shower, because I would sit there as the very warm water ran on my hand and leg that are affected by RSD, as I found it to be very therapeutic. It got to the point, that the rehab attendants would come in, to check to see if I was OK.

Bussey

[baduff]

For me I try to go to a pool, as much as possible during the summer, before RSD and we lost our home we had a hottub that a customer handed my husband and it worked wonders unlike the pool you did not have to worry about someone bumping you. I still try to go but winter is coming so that will be out. I know that I feel good until I get bumped or until I am out of the pool. I hope this helped.
BArb

[jrzgirl1]

all of my doctors are now FIRED even my PCP is out, I asked him the other day because I had to see him for a different problem, I started last Thurs. 3am, itching severely and my mouth, lips, throat and tongue were burning(like I swallowed lye,not sure never did it LOL) he said oh I don't know what is wrong and gave me Medrol therapy for the itching, I did not change any diet or laundry products, I believe it is STRESS because when toxic people and problems are around, it gets so bad that I scratch until I bleed. I also mentioned CRPS, he said it was way out of his league, so I asked him Could you direct me to someone(DR.) who could help me and he said NO, so now it according to my husband "all in my mind, as you all know we have to sell our house and I am probably getting a seperation, but will consult an attorney first. Thank you for all of your replys, I also cancelled my app't with my orthop., told them he was not doing anything to help me either.

[Truth Seeker]

Caution....
Please forgive me, but I would suggest that you do not listen to anyone including myself when it comes to water therapy.
Every RSD case is different, the triggers and progressions can vary wildly.
For some patients, water therapy is helpful, but for myself it spelled absolute disaster.
My orthopedic surgeon had suggested whirlpool, the first time I tried it my blood pressure went sky high, my dizziness, nausea and loss of balance went out of control.
The second time around, I tried natural springs, which turned out to be worse than the whirlpool.
Taking a bath would quickly render me unconscious.
Doctors clearly do not understand RSD, consequently their advice and suggestions must be taken with a grain of salt.
The best judge for what is good or bad for you is "YOU."

Truth Seeker