I have had RSD for 5+ years and have been getting acupuncture for nearly the complete time.. not once has it caused me a flare of any type... in fact it's one of the few things that ease my pain...chiropractic adjustments being the other.

The needles used in acupuncture are so very thin that the puncture hole that it leaves is very tiny. I have had over 100 needles in me at once... (don't worry...that's an exception instead of the norm regarding acupunture)

REMEMBER...we are all different and none of us will respond the same to any treatment or medicines...

The decision has to be yours as to if you try this or not... for me... it relieves the spasms, cramping, and calms the pain signals. I often notice immediate color changes and warming of my skin.

I wish you the best!!

Abbie

Hey Ya'll,

back in the day.
(That being when nobody knew what RSD was),

I did Biofeedback, which, I thought was great.
as far as Massage, No Way! A "Hearty" massage would light all my nerve endings, and start the "Burn".

Until I met one who did what's called the "Alexander Technique" of massage.
It involves gentle stretching, just "pushing, gently (energy, I suppose) away from the spine, all the way out, through your scalp, your arms and fingers, legs and toes.
Incredible!
Alexander Technique massage..

As far as AccuPuncture...
I've did that maybe once or twice, (It's been a long time for me),
but,
then found someone who did "Laser" accupuncter.
With some sort of laser gun, was worked on "trigger points" just like the needles would be.
It was "Good". I'd be there daily, if I had no meds.
Did this before I even got my Dx, which took 7+ years.

Gentle Chiropractic, by a practitioner (preferably young), because they know they can't cure the common cold, know how to be gentle, I do like to feel the "clicks".
This is still my all time favorite form of "Hands On" pain relief for me.

After more than 30 years, (yep, even before I got injured), was my favorite form of pain relief. I had headaches...

Pete
asb

My husband has RSD in his knee. He does not have the terrible sensitivity to touch that many have. He tried accupuncture. They did not put any needles around his knee. He tried it about five times. It didn't hurt and didn't help. There are two levels of accupuncturists - can't remember the official names - one has some training and the other has years of training. So make sure you get the fully trained professional.

Good luck!

Teresa,
I could answer this with a joke, but, I'm a newby here. so, we'll let it rest..

Oh, OK, in proper English, there is the "Master", and the "Apprentice". Sometimes, a "Journeyman".
But, see, that's English, and Acupuncture (that sounds bad if you're a tire, huh?) is Japanese or, Oriental?
No matter what service it is you're looking for, seek the "Master".
(Unless you're just plugging a flat tire).

pete
asb
(Licensed Registered Master Plumber).

Tea hea!

Hi

Thanks everyone for your replys. Learning that it doesn't help nerve damage was the clincher for me. I have decided not to take the risk. My pain is caused mostly by nerve damage.

Pam

Aintso bad I did biofeedback too and really found it helpful. I have done every form of mental treatment in my past before rsd and learning to cope better with life/anxiety. The biofeedback really helped me learn to relax myself though I only did a few. Massage would be a huge no for me as well. I think some alternative methods can be ok like supplements,mental therapy,some type of movement that one can do. All with regular treatments sort of like a combo approach can make for a better quality of life. Anything though that someone has to touch me even if it is a very slight touch I have to proceed with caution and I think many are the same