[Hannajane]

Now that they have confirmed the RSD in my arm my pt wants me to try stress loading therapy and mirror therapy. I am aware of what each are but was hoping anyone could share their personal experiences with the therapies? In November I am also scheduled to have a series of stellate ganglion blocks. Those make me very nervous so if you all have any experience I would also like to hear about it.

[Russell]

Hi Jane,
Out of those three the only one that I've experienced is the block. It worked till I left the hospital. Than the pain and lack of mobility returned at a higher level than before therapy.
I was originally scheduled for another session but the second round was called off with the fear of doing more harm than good.
Keep in mind that different cases bring different results so whatever you choose, much luck...

[Hannajane]

So if am reading this correctly, it made it worse and it didn't resolve itself within a day or two? EVerything they have done to me so far has made my condition worse so this worries me.

[Nanc]

Hi Hannajane! Sorry you are dealing with this monster. I have not done stress loading therapy or mirror therapy, although I did have other physical therapy that made me worse. But, I have had lots of stellate ganglion nerve blocks. I had many of them and very often when I was first diagnosed. They put me into remission for several years. When I developed RSD in my hands and left arm, I wanted to try them again. They didn't help so much that time and I think it was because it took so long for a correct diagnosis that it was in fact RSD (took a year this go around). But they did not make things worse either. I had to try though because they were so beneficial at the beginning. Some people do great with them and some do not. It takes more than one or two to really know if they will be helpful. Your reaction to the block will tell them if they hit the right spot...droopy eye, warmth, etc. Every one should last longer than the one before (that is if they are going to be effective).

I know it is a lot to think about and consider, and you have to be comfortable with your decision.

Good Luck!!
Nanc

[eevo61]

I had tried all ,the mirror therapy is just a way to retreating your Brain to see an actual functioning limb again,I still do it ,even as therapy for self confidence ,and helps in some ways .
Retrained is here the key word, retraining our body to believe is ok ,nothing is wrong ,but most essential part is desensitization , make your limb or rsd area less sensible and your pt is the one who can help you with many ways and easy technique,does help ,I was able to regain Strength on my foot and ankle and combine with pt ,I was able to walk with shoes and able to walk after all the time I was depending of a ankle brace and surgical shoe,I'm still able to walk,I do still the therapy at home , I had several lumbar symphatetic blocks ,didn't work for me,but don't get disappointed we all react in different ways also tried TENTS units and worked as well that's why I ended with scs ,but all comes with a price and changes as well, maybe desensitization is the first then after you can try more pt and other options,some tried ketamine didn't but because my dr didn't offered ,who knows,might work ,scs is ok but was a huge ordeal and bad experience ,check on the recent post about scs and you will find my journey with it,is log story but sure was the purpose to teach others how it is for real.
Desensitization I'm sire will make a difference on you there after other treatment will be more easy to handle ,rsd is a conditions with so many stages as. Many we don't get it and never will but don't ever lose hope and faith,we are all here to help ,
Gentle loving soft hugs to all ,with love ,Jesika l

[zookester]

Originally Posted by Hannajane

Now that they have confirmed the RSD in my arm my pt wants me to try stress loading therapy and mirror therapy. I am aware of what each are but was hoping anyone could share their personal experiences with the therapies? In November I am also scheduled to have a series of stellate ganglion blocks. Those make me very nervous so if you all have any experience I would also like to hear about it.

Hello Hannajane,

Sorry you are dealing with this!!

Regarding Stellage Ganglion Blocks - you may want to read this and then ask your doctor about an Axillary Nerve Block first instead. Here is the link: http://www.rsdrx.com/rsdpuz4.0/puz_62.htm

Regarding Mirror therapy: This is an invaluable and completely noninvasive form of therapy and is highly recommended especially in the early stages. The more desensitization you can do the better chance you will have at overcoming the sensitivity and fear response which only leads to 'central sensitization'. Mirror therapy has proven successful for many types of nerve pain related syndromes including 'phantom limb', RSD/CRPS, Trigeminal Neuralgia etc., I utilize this along with touch desensitization every day several times a day and recommend it highly.

Stress loading: this is again valuable in that it will help to prevent the pain of disuse and atrophy. The best thing you can do for yourself is to do whatever it takes to keep your hand and arm mobile. Here is a link to an article that explains the benefits - this is noninvasive and is done frequently throughout the day for just a few minutes http://www.rsds.org/pdfsall/ptotbrochure_604.pdf

Keep in mind that with any movement/desensitization therapy you do has to be done frequently throughout the day to gain any benefit. Doing it only in formal PT is not enough. I wish you the best.

[visioniosiv]

Originally Posted by zookester

Regarding Mirror therapy: This is an invaluable and completely noninvasive form of therapy and is highly recommended especially in the early stages. The more desensitization you can do the better chance you will have at overcoming the sensitivity and fear response which only leads to 'central sensitization'. Mirror therapy has proven successful for many types of nerve pain related syndromes including 'phantom limb', RSD/CRPS, Trigeminal Neuralgia etc., I utilize this along with touch desensitization every day several times a day and recommend it highly.

Stress loading: this is again valuable in that it will help to prevent the pain of disuse and atrophy. The best thing you can do for yourself is to do whatever it takes to keep your hand and arm mobile. Here is a link to an article that explains the benefits - this is noninvasive and is done frequently throughout the day for just a few minutes http://www.rsds.org/pdfsall/ptotbrochure_604.pdf

Keep in mind that with any movement/desensitization therapy you do has to be done frequently throughout the day to gain any benefit. Doing it only in formal PT is not enough. I wish you the best.

Yes Yes Yes and Yes! Agree that these are excellent modalities, especially earlier on. FREQUENCY is the key - don't wait on doctors and therapists to get around to you. (It's not their fault; the system itself is designed ineffectively).

It takes me at least a week of conscious focus several times a day (FREQUENCY) to change an ingrained habit. But what's a week in the grand scheme???

Thanks Tess!

[Dubious]

Originally Posted by visioniosiv

Yes Yes Yes and Yes! Agree that these are excellent modalities, especially earlier on. FREQUENCY is the key - don't wait on doctors and therapists to get around to you. (It's not their fault; the system itself is designed ineffectively).

It takes me at least a week of conscious focus several times a day (FREQUENCY) to change an ingrained habit. But what's a week in the grand scheme???

Thanks Tess!

I would agree with that. I had SGB's in clusters of three, usually, starting at 6 weeks post-onset and repeated every time my symptoms started to degrade, probably over 4 years or more. While I cannot say I am cured or even in remission, I am not currently living the hard cruel days where I wanted to chew my arm off, light it on fire and then put it out with an ice pick!