Education & Clinical Resources

We have put together a library of resources for healthcare professionals and people living with CRPS. Some of the resources have been created in association with us or our members, whilst others are useful information that we have gathered from other pain-related organisations. Simply click on the title of each individual item to find out more. The links will direct you to the relevant videos, websites or downloadable versions. Additional resources will be added over time, so do check back for updates.

UK guidelines:
CRPS in adults

2018 guidelines (2nd edition)

This guidance is aimed at professionals working in primary and secondary care. It provides recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and referral in a variety of clinical settings. Developed by a panel of experts (including members of the CRPS Network) and endorsed by the Royal College of Physicians. The guidelines were originally published in 2012, with a second updated edition launched in 2018.

Apps

CRPS ASSIST

A free European online tool for therapists with little or no knowledge about CRPS. It can help clinicians to identify patients with CRPS and decide what to do next. Content includes practical tips, common pitfalls, plus a downloadable Budapest diagnostic criteria form. The app was developed by a small group of Network members, on behalf of European Pain Federation EFIC.

The Pain Toolkit

A set of twelve videos, teaching skills to help self-manage your pain. They include information on pacing, relaxation, setting goals and managing setbacks. Developed by expert patient and coach Pete Moore.

Self-help App for the Mind (SAM)

Informed by clinical best practice and academic research, this non-profit wellbeing app is designed to help you monitor and manage your mental health. Developed by the University of the West of England, working with Bristol-based digital studio MyOxygen.

Leaflets

CRPS prevention and management

Handy tips for staff based in fracture clinics. Includes advice on preventing CRPS, what to do if you suspect a patient has developed symptoms and how to facilitate function. Produced by the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust, in association with the CRPS Network.

Recognising a patient with CRPS

A useful summary of the diagnostic criteria and best practice. Written by the patient-led charity CRPS UK.

Living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Self-management advice for people following their initial diagnosis and treatment. Produced by Pain Concern, in partnership with the CRPS Network and CRPS UK.

CRPS and osteoporosis

A factsheet covering the main symptoms of CRPS, diagnosis and treatment options. Produced by the Royal Osteoporosis Society, in consultation with key members of the CRPS Network.

Podcasts

NIHR Be Part of Research podcasts

A series of informal conversations with researchers about interesting research findings, covering a variety of topics and conditions. Created by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Airing Pain radio programme and podcasts

Choose from over 140 episodes, covering different pain topics. Informed by patients, health professionals and international experts. Transcripts are available for all programmes. Created by Pain Concern.

Ortho podcast episode 1: CRPS

Produced by the British Orthopaedic Association, this episode features a hand surgeon with a expert interest in CRPS. He discusses what we know and what is speculation.

Understanding Pain

Listen to a two-part conversation about persistent pain with an Advanced Physiotherapist Practitioner. Produced by the Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases (BIRD).

Videos

“What is pain and how does it work?”

We all know what pain is. But why does it exist? And what's it like to live with chronic pain? This animated claymation documentary was made in partnership with The Royal Society and BBC Ideas.

The experience and impact of having CRPS

This video has patients and caregivers talking about their experiences, as well as doctors discussing the importance of early diagnosis. Created by the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA).

Useful Links

UK based organisations

Burning Nights CRPS Support - patient led registered charity since 2016, providing advice and help to people with CRPS.

CRPS UK - patient led registered charity since 2016, offering advice and support to people living with CRPS.
NIHR Be Part of Research - website run by the National Institute of Health and Care Research. Find out what research is taking place in your area and how you can get involved.
NIHR Evidence - website run by the National Institute of Health and Care Research. Explore plain language summaries of important research findings.

NHS - health information about CRPS. Provides an overview of symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.

Pain Concern - founded in 1995 and registered as a charity in Scotland. Offers support to people anywhere in the UK with pain, professionals and anyone who cares for someone in pain.

Pain UK - an alliance of charities and an umbrella organisation, founded in 2011. They provide a voice for people living with pain.

Patient UK (for health professionals) - reference article written by UK doctors and based on research evidence, UK and European guidelines.

Patient UK (for patients) - health information written for the general public and people with CRPS. Authored and peer reviewed by the Patient UK team of doctors.

The British Pain Society (BPS) - registered as a charity since 1979, as a alliance of professionals advancing the understanding and management of pain for the benefit of patients. Funding and educational opportunities are available. The British Journal of Pain is the official journal of the BPS.

The Pain Relief Foundation (PRF) - established as a registered charity in1979, the PRF promote research by maintaining and supporting the Pain Research Institute in Liverpool. Research grants and training courses are offered.

Versus Arthritis - the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting people with arthritis. They also offer information and support about other rheumatology conditions, including CRPS. Fellowships and grants are available for researchers.

International organisations

European Pain Federation (EFIC) - non-profit organisation representing healthcare professionals in the fields of pain management and pain science. Founded in 1993, they organise pain schools, pain education summits and the bi-annual EFIC Congress. Research fellowships and grant funding opportunities are offered.

International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) - non-profit organisation, founded in 1974. They offer many opportunities including the bi-annual World Congress on Pain, grants, awards and fellowship opportunities. PAIN - the official journal of IASP - features original research on the nature, mechanisms and treatment of pain.

International Research Consortium for CRPS (IRC) - non-profit organisation, founded in 2015 and a project of the RSDSA. They are aiming to find more effective methods for diagnosing and treating CRPS.

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) - non-profit organisation, which began in 1983. They host a comprehensive rare diseases database, offer grant opportunities and support.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA) - non-profit organisation, founded in 1984, providing support and education. Research funding and grants are available.

The CRPS Network is not responsible for the content of the following websites and does not endorse any products or services mentioned on them.

UK guidelines for CRPS in adults

In a published systematic review of international guidelines (Javed S et al 2022), the UK CRPS guidance was identified as the only international high quality guidelines for CRPS available worldwide.