By Dr. Michael Cooney, Clinical Director
When complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is discussed, the primary focus is the extreme and widespread nerve pain caused by the disease. In cases where the person’s CRPS has been exacerbated over a long period of time, some people develop skin abnormalities that can take on varying presentations and cause a great deal of discomfort.
For some people, the skin issues result in extreme and treatment-resistant itching; others can experience the onset of blisters or lesions that do not heal.
CRPS Skin Manifestations
Approximately 70 percent of people with CRPS will experience abnormal skin conditions in varying degrees of severity. Changes in skin color, temperature or swelling can commonly cover the affected limb; The injured arm or leg may feel warmer or cooler than the opposite limb.
These skin symptoms typically fluctuate, indicating abnormal blood flow in the region. Skin texture changes can exacerbate into a presentation of large liquid-filled blisters or tiny clusters of itchy lesions on or near the pain site.
During the course of CRPS, the skin can also become shiny and highly sensitive to the touch or even the wind. Fingernails may also appear ridged, thin or break easily.
Calmare’s Role in Healing Skin Lesions
I have treated CRPS cases in children, teens, adults and seniors with Calmare scrambler therapy since 2011. Approximately 40 percent of our Calmare New Jersey patients present with some type of skin abnormality or significant hair loss.
The cause of these skin blisters/lesions or malformations is unclear; it is my opinion that they may be attributed to the ongoing result of brain misinterpretation (sending a misfiring pain message) or related to ongoing blood flow issues.
While we are not sure of the etiology, we have consistently seen a rapid decrease (healing) of these CRPS skin issues in patients who respond positively to scrambler therapy.
As you can see from the examples below, the results after treatment can be very significant after a 2-week protocol of 10 Calmare Therapy treatment sessions.
Virginia registered nurse overcomes severe skin lesions after Calmare Therapy
The registered nurse (RN) from Virginia initially presented at our clinic with severe lesions covering her abdomen: As you can see, after 10 Calmare treatments, the lesions were dramatically healing.
Virginia’s skin lesions upon arrival.
After 10 Calmare Therapy treatments.
She returned two years later for booster therapy to lower an increase in pain level, which is sometimes, but not always, necessary for CRPS cases.
Four years later, she returned for five booster treatments to reduce a recent increase in nerve pain. As you can see below, her lesions never returned. She has one white-colored scar, but her stomach overall remains free of skin lesions.
Note: the visible red patches are from the scrambler therapy leads removed just before this image was taken.
Virginia’s skin today.
Austin
This 18-year-old male patient with CRPS, which developed after a football injury, arrived at our clinic using a cane for mobility and small clusters of open blisters on his affected areas. The skin abnormalities developed at the same time he began to experience chronic nerve pain.
The right image shows the reduction of lesions after Calmare therapy.
Are you battling treatment-resistant CRPS skin conditions?
While the primary side effect of CRPS is debilitating nerve pain, the discomfort from chronic skin irritations can also interfere with normal daily function and open the door to potential infection.
The majority of our Calmare NJ patients have previously tried pain management medications, invasive procedures, Ketamine, injections, spinal cord stimulators (SCS), etc., without achieving significant or sustained pain relief.
Yet, they have not given up hope.
If you are battling CRPS, I would be happy to speak with you personally about your chronic pain case.
Together, we will come to a mutual determination if Calmare has a strong probability of lessening or eliminating your pain and physical symptoms from CRPS.
Should you wish to speak with one of our CRPS patient volunteers who has already had Calmare Therapy, we will be happy to make a referral for you via our exclusive Patient-2-Patient program.
Feel free to contact me directly by calling (201) – 933-4440 or privately email us at info@infocalmaretherapynj.com.
We will reply to your message within 48 hours.
Until then, wishing you a low-pain day, and many more on the road ahead.
