Hi, Andrea.

As you know, there are many different schools of thought within the medical profession with respect to RSD and it cause, symptoms, treatments, etc. There is a myriad of information available on the web and no "black and white" answers are readily available. RSD/CRPS sufferers respond differently to many treatment modalities and we share these experiences through the forum/board to offer insight that may be helpful to each other. Perhaps Ali's therapist is concerned that she may have difficulty filtering the information available or that she may develop rigid viewpoints?

There is obviously no "fit" between Ali and her therapist. Regardless of why this is happening, if Ali does not have confidence in her therapist any progress will certainly be hindered.

Underlying conditions (sleep disturbance, emotional well being, strain on other joints/muscles) have an impact on how a patient can perform during PT sessions. Is Ali taking any medications that are working well? Is there regular communication occurring within Ali's "medical team" (pain specialist, PT, family doctor)?

I have CRPS in my left leg. I always took pain medication before beginning PT sessions. Also, I highly recommend pool therapy. If this is not available, perhaps you can go to a community pool (must be very warm water)?

I hope that Dr. Andreas Goebel agrees to help. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you both.

Cheers,
Catherine


P.S. If I remember correctly, Ali had some difficulty taking Amitriptyline. I experienced this too and switched to Nortriptylene which works well and is helping me sleep much better.