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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Specialist

Advantage Physical Therapy -  - Physical Therapist

Advantage Physical Therapy

Physical Therapists serving Falls Church, Annandale, Arlington, VA, and the surrounding areas

John Sartore at Advantage Physical Therapy, located in Falls Church, Annandale, Arlington, VA, and the surrounding areas, use treats patients from throughout Northern Virginia and the Washington DC Metro Area who suffer from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Q & A

What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

Complex regional pain syndrome, also referred to as reflex dystrophy syndrome or RSD, is a chronic pain condition in which numerous nerve impulses are sent to the affect area of the person’s body. It is believed that RSD occurs because of a problem in the central or peripheral nervous system. The syndrome commonly affects people ages 20 to 35, though the syndrome can also affect children. Typically, if affects more women than men.

What are Symptoms of RSD?

Symptoms can vary in length and severity but the most common symptom is persistent pain which get worse as time goes on. If it occurred following an injury, the pain can seem disproportionate to the injury. For example, the injury pain involves the toe but the pain felt extends all the way through the leg or the pain can travel to the other extremity. Other symptoms include:

  • Motor disability, decrease ability to move affected body part
  • Burning pain
  • Stiffness and swelling in those joints
  • Changes in hair and nail growth which can include rapid and slowed growth
  • Skin changes which can include changes in temperature, appearance of pale, purple, blotchy, or red patches, skin becomes shiny and thin, and excessive sweating.

If any of these symptoms are present, contact the office to schedule a consultation with the doctor. The doctor is specially trained to diagnose and treat RSD and can help patients find relief from the symptoms.

How can physical therapy help with complex regional pain syndrome?

Physical therapists play a vital role in the treatment of complex regional pain syndrome. John Sartore treats each patient individually and prepares customized treatment plans to best address his or her unique issues and concerns. Some of the techniques that can be used include movement therapy which mobilizes the affected body part to prevent tightening in the muscles and joints, graded motor imagery to train the brain for motor strength, and mirror box therapy which involves exercising the unaffected limb while watching in a mirror, training the brain to ‘see’ the affected limb with a full range of painless motion.

Major Insurance Providers Accepted

At Advantage Physical Therapy, we accept most major medical insurance plans. Here is a short-list of just some of the most popular plans we accept. Please contact our office if you do not see your insurance provider listed below.

If you are looking to schedule an appointment with Women’s Health, we only accept medical insurance through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO/PPO, Tricare, and Veterans Administration.

Contact us!

Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO/PPO
Department of Labor
Medicare
Tricare