Here is an article:
"Do physical therapy and occupational therapy reduce the impairment percentage in reflex sympathetic dystrophy?", Oerlemans H.M., Goris J.A., de Boo T., Oostendorp R.A., Allied Health Services - University Hospital Nijmegen - The Netherlands, Am. J. Phys. Med. Rehabil. [78(6):533-9], November - December 1999

Although several sources tend to disagree on the importance of physical therapy in RSD patients, many do agree on the necessity of movement and of this movement not being aggressive.

In November - December of 1999, a study was performed on 135 RSD patients with RSD present less than a year. The importance of physical therapy for these RSD patients, under these circumstances (RSD < 1 year) was investigated. The study revealed that physical therapy could not significantly reduce a patient's impairment level.

When PT does next to nothing in improving a patient's condition, it might even make things worse if not done properly, if the patient's condition is not understood or taken into account.

The general rule is, no aggressive therapy (because of possible flare ups) and movement within the pain limit. RSD patients can not be pushed beyond the limit, this will often make things worse. However, they do have to exercise. Keeping active is important. A convenient way needs to be found for them to move with the least possible harmful consequences.

Establish what they can still do, find out how long they can make good use of the arm or leg and start from there. Don't try to work with them once a day for half an hour to get the maximum out of your session. This can have a bad effect.

Recently, it's been proven that there is a lack of oxygen in the tissue of the RSD affected limb (Dr. Goris-The Netherlands), which explains why too much physical therapy all at once is pernicious to the patient and will worsen the condition.

Too little movement may also worsen the condition. Patients need to move lots, but in bits. The whole day is their training schedule and exercising frequently during the day is good, in amounts they can handle. Work with them and give them a training schedule they can do throughout the entire day.

When establishing such a schedule, try to keep a good balance between enough rest and counterwaying movement. Small and frequent bits of activity broken by rest are preferred. Movement each hour, each half hour.

Late stage RSD patients have osteoporosis and in no small way. Even RSD patients in early stages may have weak limbs. RSD patients with atrophied limbs barely have muscle strength. Take these things into account when working with them. Exercises in water (body temperature) might be most beneficial and will eliminate a great deal of pain while moving.

The therapist must be on the lookout for recurring signs of inflammation with the patient. These are looked upon as a good and
correct indicator of "too much".