First about the massage for any individual with rsd , hot or cold, we are encouraged to try to tolerate it as our disease is vascoconstrition. massage offers one option in increasing circulation and decreasing the amount of tissue loss .
I wanted to commend you for allowing an rsd patient to cancel the day of- if need be. It is essential. I have been terminated from countless pt programs in the heated pool due to the lack of understanding by these professionals.

On to cold RSD, I cannot speak to hot rsd.

I have full body cold rsd. I try to take massage. prior to rsd I would have a massage weekly. I miss it so much.

With cold rsd i burn from the inside out. Its like freezer burn. the temperature of my right leg is from 92-94 degrees, of course it should be closer to 99. my left leg has never been over 96.

I still have red skin in areas and lesions that can not be touched, the difference is with cold rsd you burn from the inside out.

On a very good day I take a massage with hot stones. this is heaven. Along with as strong of a tissue massage as I can stand , it varies by area.

The heat from the stones is the best part, it lliterally warms my bones.

After a massage, even wiht great care taken, I have a full blown flare up.
I swear, everytime, that I wll never do it again and am usually in bed 24/7 for about 4 days.
However, my neck is usally better, the tension in my shoulders, basic things that are under the rsd.So after enduring the flare there are benifits.
Hot towels on back, around feet and hands are a big plus too .

I hope that will help you understand the cold rsd- the pain is the same I belivie, its just that while a hot rsd is wearing summer clother in winter, I wear leggings, legwarmers, arm warmers etc in florida year round.
thank you for working to improve our care. Sincerely cz