Just be careful about the constant use of ice. After my shoulder surgery, the only thing that would help my arm was ice packs and I used them
constantly at home and while at work, round the clock becuase they were the only thing that gave me relief. From back injury rehab therapy I know that when you ice something, the cold impulses and pain impulses compete with each other when traveling to the brain up the spinal cord -so ice decreases the amt of pain felt. I thought the same applied with my pain after shoulder surgery.
I don't know if that was what triggered my CRPS or if it made it worse than it would have been without constant icing. Since then I've read that it can exacerbate CRPS or cause it. I've found that info in several places including Dr Hooshman who specializes in CRPS. I've pasted what he said and the source of the quote here.
Excerpt: Abstract. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is usually caused by a minor injury, and requires proper evaluation and multi-disciplinary treatment addressing the multifaceted pathological processes that evolve during its chronic course. Patient’s age, the nature of pathology, and mode of therapy influence the outcome of treatment. If at all possible, surgery, ice and cast applications should be avoided. There is a desperate need for research in proper management of CRPS.
http://www.rsdrx.com/Spread%20of%20CRPS.pdf