[Treatment of complex regional pain syndrome in the hand region from the perspective of physiotherapy].

BACKGROUND: Successful treatment of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) depends mainly on an early diagnosis and an adequate treatment concept with active participation of the patient.
OBJECTIVE: Diagnostics and treatment recommendation of CRPS with localization on the hand.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Presentation and research of studies on treatment recommendations and the CRPS guidelines.
RESULTS: The early diagnosis of CRPS, adequate pain therapy and treatment of CRPS based on the CRPS guidelines favor the successful course of treatment. Graded motor imagery training is the treatment of choice, especially in the acute phase and is essential for improving cortical representation, reducing pain and reintegration into the body image.
CONCLUSION: Good patient education regarding the clinical picture and course of the disease form the basis for the treatment of CRPS. The patient should always be considered holistically and treated correspondingly by a multiprofessional team. Active involvement of the patient in the treatment from the beginning is always essential.