I am a big believer in physical therapy...but not all physical therapists are created equal. Some just run you through a generic programs for whatever limb is affected...which is generally not a successful way to deal with RSD. The good ones cater specifically to the needs of the patient to help them reach their goals...focusing on function, pain reduction, and desensitization. It is a slow process and if you don't end up with a good physical therapist then it can feel like the situation is hopeless.

I had really great success with at home physical therapy (where the therapist come to the house). The woman who came was extremely caring and compassionate...pushing me just enough that I continued to make progress but never pushing me too far to the point where I couldn't function afterwards. It was also really good because everything we did in therapy was stuff that I could do on my own even when the physical therapist wasn't there...and if you do these things daily instead of just when the therapist is there you will see much better progress faster. I also think it's much easier to build up a relationship/partnership with your physical therapist in this environment vs at an outpatient clinic. And the doctor may be willing to perscribe this if the meds she's taking make it difficult for her to drive. And it is always possible to transition from home therapy to an outpatient clinic once she reaches a certain point in her recovery.

I was able to buy myself an at home ultasound unit off of amazon.com for less than $50 and I use that every day (typically at the start of the day after a nice warm bath with epsom salts). My physical therapist was also able to talk to my doctor and get me a portable TENS unit (which was a godsend) that I can wear throughout the day for pain relief. We talked about it on a Tuesday and on Wednesday I got a call saying that they were ready to deliver it to me. I find that the TENS is probably the best tool I have for reducing my RSD pain in my left ankle. You can get a TENS unit faily cheaply online (though many require a doctor's script).

Heat helps relieve the pain (or at least take the edge off) so I am a big believer in trying out different types of heating pads. The disposable kind that you can get at any pharmacy are great (I usually get the generic kind because therma care and other brand names can be pretty pricey). Especially for my upper body (arms, back, neck, hands) since I can put them directly on whatever spots are really bad and they are much lighter weight than the microwaveable kind. And unlike electric heating pads...you can wear these while you move around and go through all the daily life activities.

Those are just a few of the things that have helped me a lot in the past year and I am always on the lookout for new things to add to my routine to make things a little easier for me. Sometimes...when the doctors fail you...you have to fight to find things on your own that will help you to get your life back. It shouldn't have to be this way but unfortunately it is often the case with RSD...starting with getting a new doctor when your current one fails to help you.