Effect of Occupational Therapy with Contrast Bath as an adjunct in the Management of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Pain is an unpleasant feeling experienced by individuals caused by any stimuli or damage to the bodily structure which in turn makes the individual withdraw from the stimulus. Thus, in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome cases, pain indirectly affects the functioning of the individual resulting in dependence and disability. Occupational therapy tend to increase independence in daily living of individuals. Contrast bath can reduce pain on immersion thereby increasing the independence in the individual. Objective: To assess pain and Range of Motion of wrist and hand. To evaluate pain and range of motion after providing contrast bath. Methodology: This study was done in a rehabilitation setup in Madurai, Tamilnadu with 4 subjects presented with a case of complex regional pain syndrome. Subjects were selected on the basis of selection criteria. Pain is assessed using Wong – Baker FACES pain rating scale and ROM using Goniometer. Contrast Bath has been given for 3 weeks, followed by occupational therapy. After 3 weeks, post-test evaluations have been done. Result: Comparison of mean score of pre-test and post-test have shown that the pain is reduced from 6 to 4 in the Wong – Baker FACES pain rating scale and goniometric assessments indicated an increase in range of motion by 5 to 15 degrees. Conclusion: There was a reduction in pain and improvement in range of motion in wrist and fingers after application of contrast bath.