Graded Motor Imagery as a Treatment of RSD

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Graded Motor Imagery as a Treatment of RSD

Individuals can suffer from a wide variety of chronic medical conditions. One that is often overlooked is chronic pain. Annually, millions of people in the United States have to deal with some form of chronic pain. There are many reasons why someone could have chronic pain; however, one of the most severe is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, which has also been called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Based on some of the information that has been released by the American Academy of Pain Medicine:

  • Greater than 25 percent of all adults in the United States indicated that they had some type of pain that has lasted for more than 24 hours in the past
  • The age group most impacted by chronic pain are adults between the ages of 45 and 64
  • About a quarter of young adults between the ages of 20 and 44 have suffered from chronic pain in the past
  • Around one out of every five elderly individuals report that they have experienced chronic pain at some time in the past

Chronic pain is a common problem in the United States. When someone is dealing with chronic pain due to Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, they could be looking for answers that can provide some relief from their pain. There are multiple treatment options that individuals and their loved ones should keep in mind that could provide some assistance.

Alternative Treatment Options for Pain from RSD

While many different medications can help people manage pain from RSD, it is important to take a well-rounded, comprehensive approach. This includes some non-medical therapies such as:

  • Massage therapy, which can help people release some of the lactic acid that builds up in the extremities
  • Yoga, which improves flexibility and range of motion in the affected limb, helping to restore function
  • Electrical nerve stimulation, which targets the damaged nerves in RSD and can help straighten out some of the scrambled signals

Fortunately, new treatment options are coming out for the treatment of pain due to RSD. One of these is called graded motor imagery.

Pain Management with Graded Motor Imagery

Graded motor imagery has been used successfully to help people manage chronic pain, including pain from RSD. In graded motor imagery, individuals will complete a three-step process. The three steps include:

  • Practicing left versus right discrimination
  • “Practicing” movements in a process called explicit motor imagery
  • Finishing with mirror therapy

The idea behind graded motor imagery is that it trains the mind that it can complete the movements without pain. In this process, the neurons of the brain are rewired, which can help individuals manage pain from RSD.

Contacting a personal injury Attorney

It is common for individuals with RSD to ask their family and friends for help. As people start to collect information on RSD, they may find more questions than answers. Some of the questions that people could have consisted of:

  • Why did I develop RSD after my traumatic accident?
  • Has a detailed investigation of the circumstances surrounding the accident been completed?
  • What are some of the alternative treatment options for people with RSD?
  • What could have been done differently to prevent this from happening?
  • Can I recover compensation from a negligent party who caused my RSD?

It is vital for people who have been diagnosed with RSD to ask for help. In these situations, it is essential to take a few minutes to speak with an RSD attorney in Sacramento. Multiple options are available, and it is important to review all of them before making a decision.

Contact an RSD Attorney in Sacramento

I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Attorney in Sacramento. If yourself or a loved one is in search of alternative treatment options for Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please give me a call at (916) 382-0693. I would be happy to share free, friendly advice with individuals and families who would like assistance.

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