Patients' Experiences With Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and a Rehabilitation Program That Combines Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) and Tactile Desensitization (TD).

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is characterized by predominant pain in combination with sensory, trophic, motor, or autonomic changes. Comprehensive rehabilitation programs have demonstrated promising results, but the treatment protocols can be challenging to apply within clinical settings. Intensive rehabilitation programs require highly motivated and dedicated patients, and insight into patients' perspectives and experiences of the treatment is crucial for ensuring adherence and preventing drop-out. To our knowledge, no previous qualitative studies have explored the challenges underlying a comprehensive home rehabilitation program for patients with CRPS. This study presents a qualitative study of ten CRPS patients who received or had recently completed an individualized Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) and Tactile Desensitization (TD) treatment. Semistructured interviews were conducted using a phenomenological approach. The analysis followed a four-step process based on systematic text condensation (STC). Illness perception emerged as an overarching theme, and how patients perceived and understood their condition and the treatment appeared to impact the treatment and its outcome significantly. Four subthemes emerged: (1) illness comprehension; (2) regaining control; (3) altered perceptions of the affected limb; and (4) provider support. The participants described how their perception and comprehension of the condition and symptoms changed during treatment. Illness comprehension, regaining control, reintegrating the affected limb, and strong clinician support seemed vital to the positive change. These factors may help future clinicians implement a home-based treatment program for CRPS patients and increase the likelihood of adherence and successful treatment outcomes. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02753335.