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Treatment of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Treatment of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy in Stroke Patients
The principle of mobilizing the limb and increasing range of motion through physical therapy is the same for RSD in stroke patients as for RSD in non-stroke patients. However, since there is a high correlation in post-stroke patients between shoulder dysfunction and RSD, physical therapy also should focus on:
- Increasing range of motion of the shoulder joint
- Strengthening the shoulder muscles
- Reducing spasticity of the shoulder muscles
A study published in 2005 noted that when inpatient rehabilitation was initiated at an early stage after stroke onset, the incidence of RSD in the study subjects dropped to approximately 1-2%. However, RSD can develop if the goals set for physical therapy are not carried out on a consistent basis after the patient is discharged from rehabilitation services.
For more information about the prevention of RSD through early rehabilitation following stroke, please click on the following link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11228950
