Andrea,

I hate to say it but the attitude of the physio is not so unusual. This is the speak of a professional who has not been able to make a difference so it immediately becomes the fault of the patient.
I have come across this often but I am afraid it takes a lot to intimidate me as I have worked side by side with these professional most of my life and I and know how they tick.
There is nearly always a psychological element with RSD/CRPS, it is not what initiates the disease but it seems to invariably be a result of it.
Fear of pain and safety can subconsciously make us reluctant to engage in an activity which we know will cause pain.
I believe this is what the Physio may have been saying in her questioning of Ali but what she needs to realise if this is an element in Ali's problems then she has NO control over it.
There are some wonderful Physio's out here who specialise in the treatment of RSD/CRPS and they carry out graded motor imagery and mirror imagery. I must admit I feel that this could really work for Ali if carried out in a timely manner by someone who knows what they are doing.
Lorimer Mosely who developed these programs is actually in UK at the moment on a research program at Oxford University.
I think it would be wonderful if you catch up with him and his programs whilst he is there. I guess if you rang Oxford they could perhaps let you know his Itinery.
Heaps of luck
Tayla