Hypnotherapy for complex regional pain syndrome

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic, disabling condition with prolonged or excessive pain persisting in a limb usually following a triggering injury or trauma to an extremity. The subjective expression of pain is disproportionate to what would be objectively expected from the initial injury. It may also be accompanied by a variety of autonomic disturbances and trophic abnormalities such as swelling in the affected area and changes in skin color and temperature. Understanding the pathophysiology of CRPS remains a medical challenge, along with making the diagnosis and devising an effective treatment plan. There are limited randomized controlled trials and definitive treatment is yet to evolve for this life-altering condition. This case study illustrates the safe, cost-effective addition and efficacious use of hypnosis in the integrative treatment plan for a teenager with CRPS.