Airing Pain

This programme was funded by grants from RS Macdonald Charitable Trust and the Hospital Saturday Fund. Complex regional pain syndrome affects 1 in 3,800 new people every year in the UK*. It is a poorly understood condition and it can be frustrating for patients who are suffering to find peace of mind. The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Disease in Bath began its rehabilitation service for individuals with CRPS in 1999 and is one of the very few in the UK with outpatient and inpatient care dedicated to CRPS. The centre, led by Professor Candy McCabe, strives to improve patients’ lives through up-to-date multidisciplinary techniques ranging from occupational therapy to mirror visual feedback (MVF). Michael and Julie, patients currently enrolled in the rehabilitation programme, speak to Paul about the injuries that caused them to develop the syndrome, how it affects their lives, and how the programme is helping them cope. Paul also sits in on a session with Senior Physiotherapist Emma Houlihan an