[baba222]

Hello wise ones,
Is there anyone here that can direct me to a desensitization program?
No OTs or PTs know about it much near my home.
TIA

[Russell]

Originally Posted by baba222

Hello wise ones,
Is there anyone here that can direct me to a desensitization program?
No OTs or PTs know about it much near my home.
TIA

Hi Baba,
If nothing else try seeking out a physical therapist.
Mine had as a common treatment a corn husk machine for desensitization. I guess it would depend on the area in question.
I needed desensitization on my left wrist and hand and it felt so good.
I hope you find relief...

[catra121]

I don't have any links to anything like a formal program. For me...it was all about using various textures and gently rubbing against my skin. Hurts like heck...but we started with VERY short periods of time and then gradually worked our way up in time until I was able to handle wearing clothes again. I still have extreme sensitivity...but I can tolerate clothes unless I'm in the middle of a bad flare.

[swanny8199]

Originally Posted by baba222

Hello wise ones,
Is there anyone here that can direct me to a desensitization program?
No OTs or PTs know about it much near my home.
TIA

My PT just uses massage. Hurts like hell, but she says I'm handling it well. Are you going through a PT?

[Littlepaw]

I did a home treatment, using different textures and also different temperatures. Ice is bad for CRPS but a cloth that has been in the refrigerator is not cold enough to hurt you. Doing it yourself allows a gentle progression. You can get creative about what you use. I used nylon bristle brushes of various degrees of stiffness. A massage therapist told me there is something about brushing the skin that activates the parasympathetic system. I don't know if this is true but it sounds like a good thing.

For me walking in grass was nice because of the different degrees of crackle and warmth depending on sun or shade. If you have access to any outdoor areas with sand and water you could build in some recreation too. That is always helpful...

If you have to do it yourself just start out nice and easy, progress slowly and if you have any numb areas make sure you aren't inadvertently hurting the skin.

[baba222]

Thank you so much to those who have responded.

I have no normal sensation and it hurts to be touched and wear clothes

So, I am thinking cotton balls first for a week on my left hand and face each for two minutes six times a day.

Also, try not to touch theses areas during the day except for the cotton.

Suggestions?

Was your thertapy different?

I am unable to find a protocol anywhere.

[baba222]

Originally Posted by swanny8199

My PT just uses massage. Hurts like hell, but she says I'm handling it well. Are you going through a PT?

I am unable to tolerate massage-I once LOVED a good massage.

Cant find anyone near me that has experience with this.

Thank you so much.

[NurseKris]

One of my doctors recommended buckets of rice. The weight was too much for my feet but I put some into a shallow dish (it was disposable from the dollar store) and kinda slide my feet back and forth over the rice. It took some time to work up to the rice.

I started with cotton balls then went to a silk tie. I took baby steps and sometimes had to take a step or two back. I also used things like a washcloth and a shower poof/synthetic loofah. Personally I found trial and error worked best for me. Good luck!

[Always_Believe]

I just so happened to have my 'land' PT evaluation today and she started a desensitization program with me. Here's what she said:

Select 3-4 fabrics (a satin, something fluffy (cotton ball/soft fleece), cotton fabric, etc)
Gently move the fabric up and down the affected area for 30 seconds (she said the usual was to start with a minute but since my pain is so out of control she wanted to be gentle)
Change to the next fabric and do the same, and so on.

My CRPS is in my lower leg, so she moved the fabric from knee to ankle to top of foot and back up to my knee.

[baba222]

Originally Posted by Always_Believe

I just so happened to have my 'land' PT evaluation today and she started a desensitization program with me. Here's what she said:

Select 3-4 fabrics (a satin, something fluffy (cotton ball/soft fleece), cotton fabric, etc)
Gently move the fabric up and down the affected area for 30 seconds (she said the usual was to start with a minute but since my pain is so out of control she wanted to be gentle)
Change to the next fabric and do the same, and so on.

My CRPS is in my lower leg, so she moved the fabric from knee to ankle to top of foot and back up to my knee.

So do all the fabrics in the same day or progress to each fabric weekly?

Did she say to not touch the area otherwise?

How many times per day?

Thanks so much!