Contrast Compression Therapy for Post-Stroke Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Plain-language summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of contrast compression therapy as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation in patients diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) following stroke. Post-stroke CRPS, previously known as shoulder-hand syndrome, is a challenging condition that affects upper extremity function and quality of life. Although various conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and contrast water therapy have been used with varying success, evidence for standardized protocols remains limited. In this prospective, single-center, single-blind, randomized controlled trial, eligible patients with post-stroke CRPS type I were randomly assigned to receive either conventional rehabilitation alone or combined with contrast compression therapy. The intervention included 10 sessions of sequential thermal phases with pneumatic compression applied to the affected upper limb, delivered with a specialized device in addition to standard therapy. The primary outcome measures were pain level and edema volume. Secondary outcomes included functional recovery, spasticity, clinical motor recovery, and neuropathic pain assessments. This study aims to contribute new evidence about whether contrast compression therapy offers additional benefits for managing post-stroke CRPS.\*

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