Efficacy of Rehabilitative Intervention on Pain and Function in Patients With Upper Limb Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Aim: Investigate the efficacy of physical therapy in the management of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Methods: We conducted a systematic review on 3 databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL. The applied methods are stated in the protocol and registered in OSF: 10.17605/OSF.IO/SF49B. Results: At the end of the screening process, 12 RCTs were included. Included studies presented heterogeneous and multicomponent interventions. Physical therapy interventions resulted valuable in the management of CRPS. Motor imagery and some physical agents therapies are effective in reducing pain and for functional improvements. Conclusion: Physiotherapy is a central treatment for patients with CRPS.